Jerome Harrison Brain Tumor: Harrison Should Not Be Forgotten, Fans Say
Although the Detroit Lions defeated Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos on Sunday, many worried about the status of Lions’ running back Jerome Harrison and his affect on the game.
Harrison was initially traded to the Eagles from the Lions in exchange for running back Ronnie Brown and a 2013 draft pick until a brain tumor was discovered during his physical examination. After the Lions victory on Sunday, team coach Jim Schwartz said he could not comment much about the situation.
"I appreciate everybody's concern, but there's only so much we can say," Schwartz said, according to NFL reports.
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However, some found it hard to forget the running back who was placed on the Lions’ reserve/non-football illness list. Some fans of Harrison reacted on Twitter.
"Don't forget to keep Jerome Harrison and his family in your prayers this a.m. and your thoughts throughout the day,” one person tweeted. “#God is Able."
DeAndre Levy, Lions’ running back, said some players were forced to curb their emotions about their sick teammate in order to stay focused on the game.
"Guys want to rally behind," Levy said, according to ESPN. "When you're out on the field, you've got to be able to control your emotions, regardless of what it is, whether it's that or something else."
Harrison’s brain tumor, which was removed on Friday, also sparked another topic of discussion. Many have started to question whether the use of an MRI machine should be implemented more frequently in NFL physical examinations. If Harrison never complained of headaches during his physical before his expected Eagles trade, he may not have received the initially non-required test that saved his life.
Isaiah Ekejiuba, Lions’ linebacker, said he thinks Harrison’s situation should spark a change with implementing MRI and other specialized testing.
"A lot of people are going to look at it and say there's no need for it," Ekejiuba said, according to ESPN. "But if you can save one life out of everybody, I think it's worth it."
