Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell suffered a serious-looking leg injury after scoring a touchdown in the team’s Week 16 game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Naturally, Dell’s teammates were distraught after watching the second-year wideout go down.
C.J. Stroud was among those who were upset as Dell was receiving medical attention in the back of the end-zone. The NBC broadcast showed the second-year quarterback being comforted by veteran running back Joe Mixon while trying to fight off tears.
Stroud and Dell have a close relationship, with the quarterback referring to Dell as his ‘best friend on the team’ in an appearance on ‘The Pat McAfee Show’ during the 2023 season. The duo entered the league together as high-drafted rookies and worked out before the 2023 NFL draft, and their bond only continued to grow in Houston.
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Thus, it’s easy to see why Stroud was so upset on the play. The same can be said of Jared Wayne, who also showed emotion following the injury. Wayne, a second-year receiver, was playing in just his second career NFL game when he collided with Dell while also trying to make a play on Stroud’s pass to the end-zone.
He was shown being comforted by his teammates while on a knee, his face tinged red.
Many other members of the Texans gathered around Dell as he was tended to as a show of support. Will Anderson appeared to lead his teammates in a prayer before Dell was carted off the field.
Dell’s teammates weren’t the only ones showing the injured receiver love. Dell received plenty of well wishes from the NFL world on social media as well. Below are some of the most notable reactions: