The Dallas Cowboys faced a tough defeat against the Detroit Lions in Week 6, suffering a staggering 47-9 loss. Amid the chaos of the game, a significant moment unfolded when Lions’ Pro Bowl edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson sustained a broken tibia while sacking Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.
Hutchinson, who was leading the NFL in sacks, QB hits, and pressures, had to undergo immediate surgery in a Dallas hospital, as confirmed by Lions head coach Dan Campbell. The entire Lions team rallied around Hutchinson as he was taken off the field on a stretcher, showing their support during a challenging time.
Before being carted off, players from both teams came over to show Aidan Hutchinson some love 🙏 pic.twitter.com/P5Ne4SI8iQ
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) October 13, 2024
Prescott, who can relate to Hutchinson’s situation after suffering a season-ending ankle injury in 2020, took the opportunity to offer words of encouragement. “It’s tough to watch,” Prescott said. “I just told him to keep his head up. It’s part of the story. I promise, the way that this guy started his career… he’ll be better after it.”
Understanding that Hutchinson may not have fully absorbed his words in that moment, Prescott plans to reach out for a more in-depth conversation. He intends to get Hutchinson’s contact information from one of the three University of Michigan alums on the Cowboys—cornerback Jourdan Lewis, tight end Luke Schoonmaker, or defensive tackle Mazi Smith.
Logan Ryan was involved in the play where Dak fractured his ankle.
A year later, Prescott hugged the DB after beating the Giants in Week 5 and thanked him for supporting him on his comeback. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/JL3IActuMz
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) October 14, 2021
Reflecting on his own experience, Prescott recalled how then-New York Giants cornerback Logan Ryan supported him during his recovery. “I just know in that moment, I remember a guy, Logan [Ryan],” Prescott said. “He gave me some words of encouragement… it was Logan’s follow-up to me that meant the most, and I’ll do the same.”
As Prescott prepares to reach out, he aims to lift Hutchinson’s spirits, embodying the camaraderie and support that defines the NFL community. With plans to share motivational book recommendations that helped him during his own recovery, Prescott hopes to inspire Hutchinson on his journey back to the field.
In a league often marked by competition, such moments of solidarity remind us of the human side of the sport.
