Bucknell Junior Defensive Lineman Making Progress from Spinal Injury

Bucknell Junior Defensive Lineman Making Progress from Spinal Injury

Robert Naylor

  Prior to November 1st, Bangor Area High School graduate, Robert Naylor, played in all eight Bucknell University games in the season with fifteen tackles, two tackles for loss, and one sack. Unfortunately, during a November 1st Bucknell football game, Naylor suffered a cervical spinal injury. During the fourth quarter of a game against Lafayette in Lewisburg, Pa, Naylor went down awkwardly while assisting with a tackle. He didn’t move a muscle while being placed in the ambulance. Naylor, a junior defensive lineman from Upper Mount Bethel Township, underwent a successful spinal surgery on November 3rd and 9th. He was then transferred to Kessler Institute to being rehabilitation. On December 23rd, Naylor was able to leave Kessler with only minor assistance and return home for the holidays. He will follow-up with outpatient care for another three to four months. "As a family, we would like to thank everyone for their support and prayers in this difficult time," said David Naylor, Robert's father, in a statement released through the school. "Robert will be returning to Bucknell in the summer, which by then he will hopefully be fully recovered." "The Bucknell Football Family is grateful for all of the support that many have provided Robert Naylor and his family as he works through his rehabilitation," head coach Joe Susan said in a statement.. "Our players and staff have kept in constant communication with Robert. His approach to this challenge has been comparable to his approach as a student-athlete on our campus and as a member of our team.” In December, Naylor was awarded the C. Dale Wolfe Recognition Award at the team’s banquet for most inspirational player. "His attitude, dedication and resolve have been exemplary to all of us," Susan said. "He is an important member of our team and our campus and will return to both as he continues to play a significant role as a leader by example."

Similar/Read More

The Perfect Camera Settings for Action and Sports Photography

The 2018 school year is upon us now, and you are probably making plans to attend your first set of games to cheer on the home team!  We want to see your live action shots plastered all over social media, so to help we want to give you a few tips. Photographing sports and action is all abou

Read More

The high school rivalry that has dominated Illinois football for over 100 years

Arcola and Tuscola, two small towns just 8 miles apart in the heart of Illinois, have two of the winningest high school football programs in state history. Before they match up again this season for the first time in years, read about their historic rivalry that dates back to the 1890's Click He

Read More