In a heart-stopping moment during Sunday's game between the Miami Dolphins and Houston Texans, a former UNC Charlotte football player, Grant DuBose, found himself in a dire situation. DuBose, who was playing just his third game for the Dolphins, was on the receiving end of an illegal hit with nine minutes left in the third quarter. Houston's Calen Bullock delivered the blow as DuBose attempted to catch a pass from Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. As DuBose started to go to the ground to make the catch, Bullock's body crashed into the side of his head. The initial hit was already alarming, but what followed was even more concerning.

After the Impact: A Scene of Medical Urgency

Immediately after the collision, DuBose rolled over onto his back and lay motionless. For several minutes, medical staff worked tirelessly on him. They cut his jersey off and loaded him onto a stretcher, taking him to a local hospital. According to broadcasters, it appeared that he had an EKG and an IV hooked up to him, along with oxygen. In the midst of this medical chaos, dozens of Dolphins players and staff members huddled together for a group prayer. It was a poignant moment that showed the tight-knit bond within the team.

DuBose's Injury Update

About half an hour after DuBose went down, the Dolphins announced that he was in "stable condition" and that the injury was to the head. Miami head coach Mike McDaniel later informed reporters that head and neck imaging had shown "positive feedback." Further updates were expected to be shared on Monday. After the game, fellow Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill described the situation as "scary." He said, "To be on the field, seeing it, and then actually seeing one of your brothers laying the way he was laying, it's terrifying. People don't understand the sacrifice we have to make playing this game... We know Grant's a soldier. We all prayed for him as a team, and the word is he's in good spirits." Hill also mentioned that DuBose was moving. DuBose reportedly did not travel back to Miami with the team on Sunday night as he remained hospitalized.

Miami Dolphins Career Highlights

Currently in the second year of his NFL career, DuBose has played in only three games, all with the Miami Dolphins in 2024. He was selected by Green Bay in the seventh round of last year's draft but did not see any game action. In August, he was released by the Packers and claimed by the Dolphins the next day. DuBose made his NFL debut in Miami's season-opener on September 8 and caught his first pass four days later during Thursday Night Football. However, shortly after, he was placed on injured reserve. Sunday's game against Houston was his first return to the field. During these three games, DuBose caught two passes for 13 yards and has yet to score as a professional.

Pre-NFL Journey and Achievements

Before reaching the NFL, DuBose became a star at UNC Charlotte. During his two seasons with the 49ers, he racked up nearly 1,700 yards and 15 touchdowns. Prior to that, he played at Miles College in Alabama. At one point during the COVID-19 pandemic, DuBose started bagging groceries at Wal-Mart and worked on the line at a local car factory. He once said, "My journey hasn't been the typical one. But I'm grateful for it all. I knew what I wanted in life. I knew that I wanted to be here today." DuBose is the eighth 49er to make it to the NFL.