Bucknell Junior Defensive Lineman Making Progress from Spinal Injury
digitalsportsnews
| January 13, 2015
views (232)
Prior to November 1
st, 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 1
st 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 3
rd and 9
th. He was then transferred to Kessler Institute to being rehabilitation. On December 23
rd, 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."
