The scene was all too familiar to Rutgers, a player lying prone and motionless on the playing field following a hit as both teams anxiously looked on, praying to catch a glimpse of some kind of movement.
The sobering news is that the playing career of Louisville’s Anthony Conner is likely over. The uplifting news, however, is that Conner will be able to walk again.
In the second quarter of what would become a 16-14 win by the Cardinals over the Scarlet Knights, Conner suffered a broken neck while tackling RU receiver Mohamed Sanu. The senior cornerback has movement in all of his extremities and is expected to walk again.
The injury, however, was likely a career-ending one.
“Anthony Conner, it’s so sad,” head coach Charlie Strong said. “Our prayers go out to him and his family, but he ended up breaking his neck. He isn’t paralyzed, but, uh. ...
“His career will probably be over. When he was on the field, he was talking. He would squeeze your hand. I just found out, right during a timeout during the game (about the broken neck).”
On Oct. 16 of last year, Rutgers defensive lineman Eric LeGrand was paralyzed during a kickoff return and has not walked since. During the game and after Conner’s injury, LeGrand tweeted “Praying for the Louisville DB”.
“It’s a sad feeling, but he’s going to pull through,” U of L safety Hakeem Smith said. “He’s good, we are all going to come together and keep praying for him.”
Our best wishes are with Conner for both a speedy recovery and a normal life with or without football.
