LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The preseason game between the New England Patriots and the Green Bay Packers was canceled on Saturday night, August 19, after rookie cornerback Isaiah Bolden of the Patriots had to be taken off the field on a stretcher in the early fourth quarter.
Fortunately, Bolden still has feeling in his arms and legs, as reported by the Patriots. They mentioned that he was being transported to a nearby hospital for a check-up and will remain there overnight.
What happened to Isaiah Bolden?
During the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field, Bolden, a seventh-round pick from Jackson State, collided with his teammate Calvin Munson.
Following the collision, the 23-year-old player from Tampa, Florida, remained motionless on the field. Medical personnel then immobilized him while Patriots players gathered around him.
While medical staff attended to Bolden, both teams left their respective sidelines and assembled on the field, with some players kneeling in a show of solidarity.
What happened to the Patriots-Packers preseason game?
Patriots coach Bill Belichick, Packers coach Matt LaFleur, and New England captain Matthew Slater were observed having a conversation as trainers tended to Bolden's needs.
Subsequently, Belichick approached referee John Hussey, leading to a suspension of play. This occurred with the Patriots ahead at 21-17 in the fourth quarter with 10:29 left in the fourth quarter, per The Guardian.
Later, Slater expressed his pride in Belichick for opting to halt the game. "He took the initiative on that," Slay told reporters.
"This is not the AFC Championship. We are not playing for records. It's preseason game 2. You have an injury like that, it affects a lot of guys in a lot of different ways. Clearly our team was shaken by what happened."
"I think Coach made the right decision. I think, you know, that was tremendous leadership by him. I have to say, honestly, that was one of the proudest moments I've had as a guy who has played for him for, now, 16 years. There was no hesitation. I appreciate coach LaFleur for standing with him on that."
Following the game, the Patriots provided an update, stating that Isaiah Bolden retained sensation in all of his extremities. However, as a precautionary measure, he was transported to a nearby hospital for additional tests and observation. "We’re just keeping our fingers crossed," Bill Belichick said.
