University of Louisiana at Lafayette linebacker Ashley Williams was carted off the field after a scary hit in a game against the University of Louisiana at Monroe on Thursday, November 12.
During the second quarter, Williams laid motionless on the field at UL Monroe’s St. Francis Stadium after attempting a tackle and colliding with teammate Brent Gordon Jr.
Williams was placed on a backboard and in a neck brace as he made his way to a waiting ambulance. Players from both teams took knees on the field, with many of them gathering to pray.
While he was being carted off, Williams managed to hold up a “UL” hand gesture for fans. He was taken to nearby St. Francis Medical Center, roughly a 10 minute drive from the stadium.
According to the ESPN2 broadcast, Williams was alert, moving his extremities, answering questions and watching the game from his hospital room. The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns went on to defeat UL Monroe 42-21, improving to 7-3 on the season.
Williams took to social media on Friday, November 13, reposting well-wishes via his Instagram Story.
Ragin’ Cajuns head coach Michael Desormeaux addressed the injury after the game.
“That’s like the worst, man.” Desormeaux said. “You know, when you get out there and a player’s completely unconscious and your mind just goes to the worst things possible.”
The coach added, “By the time Ashley left, he was conscious. He was talking, he was moving. I think it was just out of a lot of precaution. I think anytime something like that happens where it’s a head shot and they’re unconscious, I think it’s the right way to do it. You know, make sure that you do it out of abundance of caution.”
A redshirt junior from Zachary, Louisiana, Williams has started every game for the Cajuns this season. Going into the game, he had earned 21 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and two quarterback hurries.
In the wake of Williams’ injury, many Ragin’ Cajuns fans expressed their concerns on social media.
“Prayers up for Ashley Williams,” one supporter wrote via X. “As passionate as we get about performance, what a quick but sickening reminder that it really doesn’t mean much in the big scheme of things.”
Another wrote, “Goodness. I absolutely hate when a player has to be carted off the field. Prayers up for Ashley Williams of Louisiana Ragin Cajuns. 🙏 🏈.”
The Cajuns return to action when they host Coastal Carolina on Saturday, November 21. Williams’ potential availability for that game has not been announced.
