CJ Stroud and the Houston Texans prayed over Tank Dell after he suffered another season-ending leg injury for the second year in a row. It was an emotional scene in Kansas City as the 25-year-old wide receiver writhed in pain.
Although it was a deeply upsetting moment for one of the league’s brightest young stars, the Lord works in mysterious ways and it became a remarkable showing of faith. You don’t have to be blood to be family.
Dell broke his leg last December. He returned to the field in time for the season-opener and played an important role through the first 13 games of 2024. Unfortunately, it appeared as though he tore multiple ligaments and dislocated his knee during a freak sequence of events on Saturday. There is also a risk of fracture and the 25-year-old was likely rushed to the hospital to assess potential arterial damage.
Stroud connected with Dell for a 30-yard touchdown during the second half. It was immediately clear that something was wrong when the latter grabbed for his knee. The former saw his teammate in pain and began to pray with offensive lineman Kenyon Green.
Tank Dell goes down with serious leg injury, CJ Stroud in tears after 💔 pic.twitter.com/NYpoSa7y1v
— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) December 21, 2024
The Texans were moved to tears.
CJ Stroud and teammates distraught after Tank Dell’s brutal knee injury on his catch for a touchdown. Just awful, man.#HTownMade pic.twitter.com/qlOzywp7n8
— Brian LaLima (@BLima790) December 21, 2024
Stroud never left Dell’s side as he was carted off of the field in an ambulance.
Texans teammates console a crying C.J. Stroud who was upset and praying over his close friend Tank Dell. pic.twitter.com/Hxdb0qoQs7
— Ari Alexander (@AriA1exander) December 21, 2024
Prior to that moment, several Houston players gathered around their teammate to pray over his health. It was a remarkable display of camaraderie and belief in a higher power.
POWERFUL: Several Texans gather around Tank Dell and pray over him after his injury.
— Will Kunkel (@WillKunkelFOX) December 21, 2024
🙏🙏🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/5iX6QiQp62
The extent of Tank Dell’s injury is currently unknown but it did not look good and he is likely done for the year. He was transported to the local hospital to be evaluated.
Houston will play the rest of this season with Tank Dell on their minds. They asked the Lord to watch over him. It was powerful.