The Green Bay Packers officially lost 21-17 to the New England Patriots Saturday Night at Lambeau Field. The game was suspended with 10:29 left to play in the fourth quarter. The game was suspended after both team head coaches mutually agreed to call the game after Patriots seventh-round pick Isaiah Bolden was carted off the field after being down for several minutes.
The New England Patriots selected Isaiah Bolden in the seventh round out of Jackson State University. He was hurt after colliding with a teammate while attempting to make a tackle on a ball intended for Green Bay Packers wide receiver Malik Heath. Bolden collapsed, and trainers ran onto the pitch, halting play as they checked on him.
After several minutes, the backboard was removed and he was taken off the pitch on his back. Players on both teams were seen kneeling as trainers examined Bolden. The NFL witnessed an unprecedented occurrence last season when Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin fell on the field and the game was called off. Since then, the NFL climate has shifted, and there is even more concern about player safety than before.
Matt LaFleur and Bill Belichick discussed the situation and ultimately agreed to call the game early, resulting in a New England Patriots victory over the Green Bay Packers. After the game, Matt LaFleur commented about the issue and his decision.
“Obviously a very scary ending to the game right there,” LaFleur remarked. “Our hearts go out to Isaiah Bolden and his family.” It’s a terrifying circumstance, and you never want to see it in our game. I believed it was in both sides’ best interests. Coach Belichick and I discussed the action we took on the pitch. We’ve done a lot of wonderful work in the previous few days, but it’s difficult to think about much of it; all we can do is hope.
Matt LaFleur referenced the fact that both coaches came together and made a decision they felt would best handle the situation. It is hard to imagine either side wanting to continue playing after witnessing a situation like the one that played out on Lambeau Field.
Isaiah Bolden was taken to a local hospital for further testing and monitoring, but he had movement in all his extremities according to the New England Patriots media relations.
