West Morgan Player Undergoes Emergency Brain Surgery After On-Field Collapse

A West Morgan High School football player in Princeville, Alabama  is recovering after suffering a brain bleed during Friday night’s game, according to school officials.

Senior linebacker Cole Thorn collapsed on the field during the second quarter, prompting an immediate response from an Athletic Trainer and other medical personnel.

Thorn was placed on a stretcher and taken from the field by ambulance, but not before reassuring the crowd with a thumbs-up gesture.

In a statement shared on social media, the school confirmed that Thorn required emergency surgery to stop bleeding on his brain.

“The Thorn Family is extremely grateful for all your thoughts and prayers!” the team said.

The post noted that surgeons were able to stop the bleeding and that Thorn will be kept sedated for several days to allow swelling to decrease.

Despite the shock, West Morgan finished the game—something Head Coach Drew Phillips said Thorn would have wanted.

“Yeah, it was tough on those guys,” Phillips said. “Cole Thorn is an absolute winner. He wanted us to go out and finish the game, and I’m glad we could do it for him.”

School officials said Thorn is expected to make a full recovery, though his immediate focus will be on rest and rehabilitation. The community has rallied behind the Thorn family, with messages of support and prayers flooding social media over the weekend.

As the Rebel football team moves forward in the season, they do so with their minds on their No. 22—a teammate and friend who reminded them, even in a moment of crisis, what resilience looks like. Click here for more details!