A moment of pure excitement for Virginia’s football team during Thursday’s game against Louisville quickly turned into a frightening scene for both teams and everyone at Louisville’s L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium.
Cavaliers running back Perris Jones caught a swing pass from Anthony Colandrea. After picking up a few yards, Jones was hit and lost the ball. The loose ball bounced straight into the arms of Virginia’s Malik Washington, who ran in for a touchdown. Washington and his teammates briefly celebrated in the end zone and the referee announced the ruling. Shortly thereafter, though, the celebration stopped.
Jones was back in the same spot on the field where he was hit. He had not moved. When that was realized, the stadium went essentially completely silent.
Virginia RB Perris Jones fumbles the ball. His teammate, Malik Washington, recovers the loose ball and scores.
But the celebration is short-lived, as Jones, who appeared to be knocked out on the hit, was attended to. pic.twitter.com/IS6sIYifxA
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) November 10, 2023
After a lengthy delay, Jones was loaded onto a stretcher and then carted off of the field. ESPN reporter Harry Lyles Jr. said that Virginia’s athletic director, Carla Williams, “Gave him (Jones) a pat on the arm. He was not moving but his eyes were open. And taken 10 minutes away here to the University of Louisville Hospital.”
ESPN's Harry Lyles Jr. reports that Virginia AD gave Jones a pat on the arm.
"He was not moving but his arms were open. And taken 10 minutes away here to the University of Louisville Hospital." pic.twitter.com/KsLaPndiqg
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) November 10, 2023
College football fans quickly took notice of the scary scene in Louisville and sent their best wishes Jones’ way.
UVA gathers around Perris Jones as he’s carted off the field….
No worse scene in sports pic.twitter.com/AXHtlopwHD
— anne-parker coleman (@anneparkercole1) November 10, 2023
No worse scene in sports. pic.twitter.com/bsqGqfK9sQ
— Mike Barber (@RTD_MikeBarber) November 10, 2023
Perris Jones is such a key person in this UVA program.
Started as a walk-on and has earned everything he's gotten.
Hoping and praying he is okay.
— Preston Willett (@PrestonWillett) November 10, 2023
Prayers for this young @VirginiaFootbal player Perris Jones as he’s tended to and now taken off the field likely to the hospital in Louisville. 🙏🙏🙏💜
— Tim Brando (@TimBrando) November 10, 2023
Perris Jones is the model college football player and from my infrequent interactions with him, he seems like a great dude. Hoping for the best for him.
— Justin Ferber (@Justin_Ferber) November 10, 2023
[Photo Credit: ESPN]
