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Wayne Matthews III injury update: Michigan State linebacker releases statement after hospitalization

IMG_6598by: Nick Kosko09/21/25nickkosko59
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Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Wayne Matthews III released a statement following his hospitalization amid Michigan State’s game vs. USC Saturday night. The linebacker was involved in a scary collision that caused him to get stretchered off.

“Thank you for all your prayers and support!,” Matthews wrote on Twitter/X. “I’m doing a lot better now! I’ll be back in no time.”

A team spokesperson confirmed that Matthews was able to fly back with the team. Despite the loss to USC, Michigan State had some good news on the plane with Matthews’ motor skills all being intact.

Matthews was strapped to a backboard and transported to the hospital via ambulance. The Spartans’ defender was able to give a thumbs up as he was carted off the field.

This season, Matthews had 24 total tackles, one tackle for loss and an interception. An Old Dominion transfer ahead of the 2024 season, Matthews has 205 career tackles, 11 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks to go along with one interception, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and three pass deflections.

FOX’s Alexa Landestoy provided the initial update on Matthews during the game broadcast, saying Michigan State players are going to keep Matthews in mind during the second half. However, he is no longer in the stadium and being transported elsewhere.

“Some moments are bigger than football,” Landestoy said. “These Michigan State players are playing for their brother. Wayne Matthews III is being taken to a Level 1 trauma center, that’s the highest for these types of injuries, and LA General, also known as County Hospital here in Los Angeles. Don’t have more of an update. We will get that to you when we know that.”

Former Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III was also on the call, giving a little perspective on what is going through players’ minds at the moment. Neither team wants to see something like this occur, something Griffin says they have to process in real time.

“People forget that football players and stars that you see on TV that these kids at home look up to, they’re human,” Griffin said. “And there’s such a human element to bonding as a team that when you see a guy like that go down, even when you’re on the other team, it hits you. It affects us all. Just want to lift up Wayne Matthews III right now and pray that God keeps his angels encamped around him and his family as he works through this process.”