AMES — Jack Trice Stadium fell into a deep silence after Iowa State football tight end Ben Brahmer collapsed midway through the fourth quarter following a big hit on an incomplete pass.
He took a brief moment to gather himself before standing up and collapsing after taking a few steps.
The junior tight end was placed on a stretcher and carted off the field after being tended to by medical personnel.
The Cyclones’ post-game locker room was a somber one, not only because the team suffered its fourth-straight loss, but also because it had great concern for Brahmer.
After the Cyclones’ 24-19 loss to Arizona State, coach Matt Campbell gave an update on the standout tight end, who is reportedly stable, alert and responsive at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames.
“They took him to the hospital,” Campbell said. “Hopefully, everything is going to be alright. I think it’s precautionary, but so far the feedback we’ve gotten so far is positive.
“It’s tough, those are tough moments and obviously, you know how much this team cares about each other and kind of the relationships. That was tough. Tough to watch and Ben is as tough as they come. Our thoughts and prayers will be with him and if I know Ben, he’ll be back better than ever here at some point.”
Shortly after Campbell’s post-game press conference, Iowa State football released a statement providing a new update on Brahmer: “Ben was transported to Mary Greeley Medical Center after suffering an injury in the fourth quarter of today’s Iowa State-Arizona State football game. He was evaluated and treated and has been discharged from the hospital.”
Iowa State did not disclose the exact injury or medical diagnosis.
Against Arizona State, Brahmer caught three passes for 48 yards and a touchdown. Through nine games this season, he has a team-high 32 receptions for 365 yards and four touchdowns.
“It’s really scary seeing a brother go down like that,” Cyclones running back Carson Hansen said. “We’re just praying for him right now. He’s alert, so it’s good to hear. Just keep prayers over him and we just thank him for what he’s done for this program and just the man he is.”
Eugene Rapay covers Iowa State athletics for the Des Moines Register. Contact Eugene at erapay@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @erapay5.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa State football coach Matt Campbell gives update on Ben Brahmer following collapse
Reporting by Eugene Rapay, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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