Ravens Running Back Willis McGahee Injury Latest: Should be OK
Ravens running back Willis McGahee, injured in a helmet to helmet clash during his teams 23-14 AFC championship loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday should be OK according to doctors.
McGahee is resting at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital with movement in all his limbs and was “neurologically intact,” a spokesman said.
He was injured after catching an 11-yard pass from quarterback Joe Flacco late in the fourth quarter. McGahee was immediately hit by Steelers safety Ryan Clark, whose shoulder and helmet collided with McGahee’s face mask. McGahee was stretchered from the field and it was feared he may have suffered a severe spinal injury.
Update: “Ravens running back Willis McGahee was released from UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh early this morning and returned immediately to Baltimore. He is resting at his home today. It is expected that Willis will have a complete recovery from the head and neck injuries he suffered last night.”
(Image: AP)
Tags : mcgahee, willis mcgahee, willis mcgahee hit, willis mcgahee injury, willis mcgahee neck injury, willis mcgahee status
Posted: January 19, 2009
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Jan 19, 2009
What time was the report?
Jan 19, 2009
Wow – What a hit. Im really glad that McGahee is OK. That type of hit couldve been a life changer. A none athlete breaks several bones on that hit – neck included
Jan 19, 2009
my vagina is itchy. I hope I do not have another yeast infection. I can not stop itching it.
Jan 19, 2009
We Steeler fans are praying for his speedy recovery, too. He's a great back.
Jan 19, 2009
Thanks for the update. It is amazing that nfl.com doesn't even have an update on their page. What a hit, Thank GOD he is ok.
Jan 19, 2009
You are psycho!! Is that all you can think about when a man has had such a trauma???
Jan 19, 2009
I'm glad that it appears that it's not as serious as it looked when he was lying motionless on the ground after the hit. The hit was legal and there were a lot of big hits in that game. MaGahee had an outstanding game including picking up and protecting again'st the blitz's. I hope he has a speedy and full recovery.
Jan 19, 2009
My poor baby!
Hopefully it'll happen to Rothlesburger during the SB. He's getting close to his last concussion…
Jan 19, 2009
The people in Buffalo is praying for him to get a full recovery this was just like the hit that kevin Evertett got last year and now it is happening to one of are former player
Jan 19, 2009
Nice. Nobody should wish an injury on anyone. If you watch the tape, it was a legal hit – if anything McGahee lowered his head to ram the defender.
Jan 19, 2009
As an RN, watching the hit on McGahee was scary. Many prayers were going up for him at that time. I am relieve to read he will be alright. No one should EVER wish any player to be injured, regardless for who you cheer for. And this is coming from a Carolina Panther's fan ! !
Jan 19, 2009
thank god willis mcgahee is ok!!!! i was praying to god and he answered my prayers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! that stupid steelers safety hit him head on what an idiot!!!!! they should fine him!!!!!!!!!
Jan 19, 2009
BS HIT. Vicious!! Same results with a normal tackle
Jan 19, 2009
I think some of these comments are so nasty! I am a huge Steeler Fan and have been for many years and I was so scared last night to see this man laying on the field like that. It could have been life changing for him. NO one with any kind of heart would wish things like this to happen to anyone. I pray for his safe recovery . I wish people would think before that write some things that they do! It is a rough game and players get hurt but no-one wants to see an injury like that.
Jan 19, 2009
As a paramedic and former NFL field medic, when I saw that hit and the way his arms were contracted, I feared he had a cervical fracture at the least, and possibly a brain stem injury. Thank God he's going to be ok. I've been looking at the team website and CNN sports all night and morning for news of his condition. Fortunately, everyone on the field did exactly what they should. Nobody tried to lift him up or put something under his head, something that I come across routinely as a paramedic for a municipality, which could paralyze a person with a spinal cord injury or cervical fracture. If anyone takes anything away from this, PLEASE, if someone falls or is injured, DO NOT lift their head up, give them a pillow or attempt to move them. It can cause life-altering paralysis or DEATH.
Jan 19, 2009
I'm a Steelers fan, and as much as I hate the Ravens, I felt horrible for Willis McGahee.
When I saw how far his head snapped back, I was really worried for him.
HOWEVER. No one can say it was a dirty hit. It was a perfectly legal hit. Even the refs, who by the way gave every call to the Ravens and in fact were ridiculously lax in penalizing the Ravens, saw that it was a clean, legal hit. Yes, it was a helmet-to-helmet contact hit, but Clarke led with his shoulder with no intention of hitting McGahee with his helmet. In fact, Clarke was knocked out as well.
So yes, everyone should pray for McGahee and his safe return, but do not put the guilt on the Steelers' Clarke.
This is football, and this is how it goes.
Jan 19, 2009
GROW UP wishing someone to get hurt is just plan wrong. LEGAL HIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jan 19, 2009
My thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family!!
Jan 19, 2009
He led with his shoulder not his head. No player in the NFL tries to injure another. They know that the very next play, that could be them. That does not mean that they should play patty cake. As a Steeler fan, I wish McGahee a full and speedy recovery.
And I agree with vwc12. The refs were very lenient on the Ravens. They have been all year. I saw so much holding. The roughing the kicker was a nice acting job by Burger though. Not the best punter, but he aint afraid to tackle someone.
Jan 19, 2009
I saw Willis go down. I am a Steelers fan but I am glad he is going to recover. It had to have been very scary for Willis and his family. Especially his mom who I am sure was watching.
Jan 19, 2009
its a bs hit-too many hits are with the helmet first or they're plainly going to the head-a suspension for several games should rightly be in order for these type of hits-it isn't safe for either player-well documented, yet the nfl is allowing it.
Jan 19, 2009
If it wasn't such a nasty hit, I may have thought he was faking the severity of it to gain sympathy for the nail in the coffin fumble. It was very scary and quiet. I was glad to see his arms and legs moving. Legal hit and it does go with the territory, but damn. Feel better sport.
Jan 19, 2009
common ravens fans, u kno that was a legal hit, yeah it was a rough one but thats football and injuries happen. mcgehee knew that when he entered the nfl and every fan should know that so don't lie to yourself.
for you people that wish injuries upon others, thats just plain cruel. karma anyone?
and one more thing, thank god mcgehees ok. he hasnt been playing all the great this season like i hoped but next year is another chance and i'm entirely confident that the ravens can and will go all the way with our rookie qb with experience under his sleeve and our offence growing with every play that goes by.
GO RAVENS
Jan 19, 2009
McGahee is a beast thank god he is alright he is one of the best blocking backs in the NFL and has fully recovered from his knee injury at Miami to be a starting NFL back I think that he will be able to recover just as good as last time.
Jan 19, 2009
I AM SO GLAD HE WILL RECOVERRR!!
Jan 19, 2009
HERE WE GO STEELERS, HERE WE GO!!!
I was at a Steelers bar watching the game and as it's a shame that those against the Steelers can't just accept a loss!! We all stopped and even had groups saying a prayer for McGahee. It's football and yes we want our team to stomp the Sh*t out of the other team but it's all in fun. You have serious issues if you can be happy for someones hurt. This man could have been seriously injured everyone should thank God he's ok and stop the name calling. Suck it up Ravens fans and for real we are happy this man came out ok!!!
Jan 19, 2009
This is the first place I have been able to find an update. Its a shame that nfl.com nor the Raven's homepage really did not post an update on his condition. Along with others, I am a Steelers fan, too, and I LOVE football but a true sportsman NEVER wants to see another player injured. I was especially proud to be wearing black & gold as our fans yelled “good luck” wishes and “we are praying for you” sentiments as McGahee was carted off the field especially considering the Ravens had “bounties” out on Mendenhal and Ward.
I agree that the officials did nt do a good job with calling the game and I was afraid that someone might be seriously hurt even though the hit McGahee took was legal. Everyone knew the rival between these two teams and all knew that this was going to be a battle. It was going to be a hard-hitting, dig into the trenches, and a fight to the end so the officials should have been more on top of the game than they were. There were many infractions from both teams that just were not called. There were way too many holds, which frustrates the line and builds anger, uncalled illegal hits such as the late one Big Ben took from behind inbetween the shoulder blades, several pass interferences, and of course, the acting job by Burger that really wasn't a good call at all. Basically, if the NFL is going to state they have a rating system in which officials are reviewed then they need to follow through with it and seriously take on some of these men who truely do not have any business on the field because if they (the NFL) do not then a disaster is waiting to happen.
Jan 19, 2009
Thank god!! We need him. He is one of the best and most confindent players we have. Some people have gotten him way wrong by thinking and saying tht he is not a team player. I have to say you people are WRONG. McGahee is just what we need, a player that is not afraid to that charge. When all is down and points need to be paced on the board we can count on him as we all do. Some of yall are just mixed up.
Jan 19, 2009
Someone want to explain to me how the Bouldin hit a while back – helmet to helmet – was “ilegal”, but this one was a “clean hit”. absolutely no difference. are you all insane? does wearing a steeler uniform exempt you from the rules against helmet to helmet hits? you may have played a better game, but this was an inordinately cheap shot, uncalled for, completely unnecessary, and don't duck that reality.
Jan 19, 2009
Just because a hit is 'legal' doesn't mean it isn't vicious, dangerous or unnecessary…the 'headhunting' attitude going on in the NFL should be addressed, because these athletes are pumped up on god knows what steroids and drugs and move with superhuman strength and speed. Teams routinely set out to take the quarterback and or/running back out of the game with injury, and this needs to be addressed by the coaches, the players association and the league. As for McGahee, I hope he is ok but what about the next guy? Football is all about hitting hard, but players nowadays play just to injure…witness the twisting of knees by defenders after almost every tackle…the league has got to address this issue as it seems to be getting worse
Jan 19, 2009
Thank God he is okay! I prayed for him to be fine. I do not like the Ravens as a team, but I never want to see ANY PLAYER hurt. I am glad God answered our prayers and this young man is going to be fine.
Jan 19, 2009
Seriously…I have read maybe 1 or 2 objective comments in this entrire string so far. Enough is enough. Clark led with his shoulder which makes it a legal hit, it's football so deal with it. Was it necessary? Absolutely, he caused a fumble of which the Steelers recovered. Actually, if the Ravens weren't distracted with good reason, they could've challenged and that pass was likely incomplete. Either way, defensive players are taught to separate the player from the ball. He did his job, period. Nobody is at fault, if a Ravens player was in a position to do that to a Steeler player the same thing applies. Sounds like he'll be fine so gear up and get ready for another year or go play flag football.
Jan 19, 2009
We all know that hit was just the unfair, illegal, whatever you want to call it. If it had been Ray hitting Troy then you guys would realize and would aurging just how illegal it was just as us Ravens fans are. I mean YES the hits are part of the game but if you know football you know the difference. That jackass did just what a loser would do when they smell defeat coming. Unfairly hit the receiver. We all know that with Walt Coleman there's nobody out there to make the calls RIGHT. That's just why PITT. needs him on their side. Review all of the Steeler vs Ravens game and you'll see just what I mean. The fake catches, stupid calls like ruffing the kicker (whatever). Just watch and you'll see.
Jan 19, 2009
Thank God he will recover, that is what is important. Wishing an injury on anyone is crap, and anyone doing that is a low life. No one watching any football game wishes anyone to get injured. It is a contact sport and things happen, especially when two competitive athlets run full speed into each other.
Those who think it was helmet to helmet, Clarke looked to be leading with his shoulder when McGahee lowered his head to prepare for impact. At their speed, an unfortanate hit for both players, neither of whom was aiming for this result. I watched the game as an unbiased fan, I would be happy to see anyone in the Superbowl other then the Patriots or Colts. So speedy recovery to Mr. McGahee and shame on those wishing injury on others.
Jan 19, 2009
As a Ravens Fan, even this idiot should be ashamed! It was not only a legal hit, it was not intended. Sure, he wanted to stop Willis, but to change his life? No, even I don't think that. See, just because of the comment above, I shall now ROOT FOR the Steelers. They whooped us. They deserve it. If they win it all, then we were beaten by the best. Considering how we started out, it's a compliment to our team and thier “rookies”.
Jan 19, 2009
He got knocked the f*** out
Jan 19, 2009
As I read through these, I can't help but be amazed at all this crying the Ravens fans are doing. Go pull up youtube and look at any Ray Lewis, Bart Scott, or Terrell Suggs hit. Infact, look at the Mendenhal hit by Ray Lewis. If Clarke's hit was dirty, than so was that one. The reality is both hits were great hits! and both hits were legal! I see that most of the people whining have never played football or any contact sport for that matter. Football is an intense game, especially when you get to the point of a trip to the Superbowl.
If you want to cry about the brutality of the hit and question the need for it, then I refer you back to the first Steeler/Raven game of the season, opening kick-off, when one of our special teams player was hit in the same manner, the only difference is that he got hit from the side (cheap shot) but the hit was still legal, and our player was carted off on a stretcher also.
Get real Ravens fans!!! Go have a beer and a smile and shut the —- up! Enjoy your immediate off-season, and prep up for the sweep again next year!
By the way, I was ALSO one of the STEELER fans saying a prayer following the injury. Anyone who wishes injury on anyone else is a chump, example, most of ya'll Raven fans…
Jan 19, 2009
Glad he's OK. That was horrible.
Jan 19, 2009
Where was the flag for helmet to helmet?
Jan 19, 2009
from what we saw, he led with his shoulder-not his helmet. Just because the helmets collided doesnt make that Clark's intention.
Jan 19, 2009
Collisions like this beg the question: Should head contact be prohibited in the NFL?
The sheer violence of these collisions and probable damage, often very severe damage, suggests that the ruling on head contact be amended to prohibit direct head collisions. I don't think this will detract from the intense physical confrontations that are a basic part of football.
Jan 19, 2009
I was with a group of Christian friends from our church watching the game and we were all praying for both McGahee and Clark and when we saw Clark finally walk off with help we focused on McGahee. We were all amazed and pleases that CBS showed as many players (both Ravens AND Steelers) praying for MaGahee.
As far as the legality of the hit we all believed that it was legal because it appeared from all of the angles that Clark was leading with his shoulder and McGahee actually lowered his head to try to drive through him. The immediate outcome was unfortunate and I know that I spent most of the morning looking for an update and was surprised that NFL.com and the Ravens official site didn't mention anything.
If you ever hear any pro football players defend their extreamly HIGH salaries you will hear the argument that they are playing a dangerous game that at any minute their career and earning potential could end. They all come into this knowing the dangers – that doesn't mean that we want to see anyone hurt or their careers ended – but that is what they are paid the BIG BUCKS for.
With that said – my prayers and well wishes are with McGahee and I look forward to watching him face off with the Steelers next season.
Jan 19, 2009
its fine to wish that someone gets injured as long as that player is tom brady. cuz hes a faggot. fuck both the ravens and the steelers. go cardinals
Jan 19, 2009
man up and stop bein a homo bitch. contact like that is what makes the game great. unfortunately sometimes players get hurt by hits like that. but if you have played football at the college level then you can come to appreciate the great splendor of a perfectly timed hit like that
Jan 19, 2009
where the fuck are you getting your facts moron? people like you are why football is becoming more and more touchy with rediculous roughing the quarterback and unnecessary roughness calls. as someone who plays college football i can personally say that no ones direct motive is to try to hurt another player. so for all of you whining little pussies please shut the fuck up already. cuz that was an incredible hit
Jan 19, 2009
you bitch…are a stupid fucking idiot. go fuck yourself now
Jan 19, 2009
That hit was UNBELIEVABLE. My family was watching the game together when it happened, our thoughts and prayers are with Willis. He is a great player!!
Jan 19, 2009
figures coming from an asshole raven fan
Steeler fans are classy enough to hope for the best for him. You are the exact reason thje Colts left.
Jan 19, 2009
Why would you say that about anyone? Im a hardcore steelers fan and i still wished that mcgahee was okay. you shouldnt wish that on anyone. Your going to have bad karma.
Jan 19, 2009
Raven … you're a complete idiot.
Jan 19, 2009
It was an illegal hit. Even referees after the game determined it was illegal. A fine should come out within the next 2-3 days. There is a chance it will be over ruled. We'll see. I can't say that he intended to do it, just reaction. At least they are both ok.
Jan 19, 2009
u say u played or play college ball. i imagine b the way u talk and ur simple knowledge of the game u probably r a wanna b. and by ur foul mouth id bet uve gotten ur ass kicked a few times in ur life already and im willing to bet uve got more ass woopins coming.
Jan 19, 2009
THANK GOD.. after seeing that hit I didn't even care anymore that my team, the Steelers, was winning. I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw him open his eyes on the stretcher. But the way his head snapped back during the hit, it looked like he could have popped a disc in his neck. I thought “OMG..please don't let him be paralyzed.” Anyway thank God he's okay.
Jan 19, 2009
I'M A COWBOY DIE HARD FAN,WE ARE ALL GLAD AND THANKFUL TO GOD THAT HE IS OK.PEOPL ENEED TO UNDERSTAND THE SERIOUSNESS OF A NECK INJURY BEFORE YOU START WISHING A PLAYER INJURIES.THESE GUYS GET INTO A CAR WRECK EVERY SUNDAY,NFL FOOTBALL IS A CAR WRECK.WE WISH WILLIS THE BEST AND A SPEEDY RECOVERY.
Jan 19, 2009
the hit was fine, anyone who has played foorball would know that when you are going at thoughs speeds there is no way to aviod things like that, it just happens. also if you watch the video clark tried to lead with his sholder, they where both off by just a few inches. and my vagina is also itchy, but i already know that i have a yeast infection, this is my third time around.
Jan 19, 2009
Can we get an update on the Vagina?
Do you need any help scratching it?
Jan 20, 2009
hey faggot what the fuck are you doin with your life. you dont know shit. dont talk shit to someone if you cant actually back it up pussy. i wish u lived in the mass area so i could come fuck you up
Jan 20, 2009
are you serious? so ben getting smashed between the shoulder blades well after the ball was thrown wasn't. how do you know the same result could have been attainted with a different type of takle? enjoy the off-season, don't waste it pouting…