Robert Grays, a cornerback from Division II Midwestern State University, died Tuesday from a neck injury he suffered while making a tackle during Saturday’s game.
Grays, a sophomore from Houston, attempted a tackle with 3:24 left in Saturday’s game against Texas A&M-Kingsville. He was injured immediately and was taken off the field to the hospital by ambulance, according to Sports Illustrated. He was later transferred to Houston where he died Tuesday night.
“He’s made this tackle hundreds of times, but it was just one of those situations that landed wrong,” interim athletic director Kyle Williams told The Wichitan. “It was trauamatic for all of us, particularly the football players. As a campus, we are thinking about him every day.”
Williams spoke at a gathering of about 700 students who met together Monday to support Grays as he was in the hospital.
"Robert touched many lives while attending the university, but perhaps he will be remembered best for his smile," university President Suzanne Shipley said in a statement, ESPN reported. "He was an inspiration on and off the field to those around him, and he will be remembered with love and affection by his friends, classmates, coaches and teammates."
Grays' family also thanked everyone for “prayers, kind words, condolences and support,” ESPN reported.
College of Wooster lineman Clayton Geib, 21, also died Sunday from injuries sustained during that school's game Saturday, although his injury was not apparent until after the game when he told the coaching staff he wasn’t feeling well, ESPN reported.
Players, coaches, and others posted their thoughts and well wishes to Grays and his family on Twitter.
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