WATCH: Eric Gentry exits game with injury, gives passionate speech to teammates on field
After entering the injury tent in the second half against Utah, USC linebacker Eric Gentry emerged and gave a passionate speech. The incredible moment was caught by the broadcast team as Gentry left the injury tent and rushed onto the field hopping on one leg to share his message with his teammates before he was taken off the field into the locker room.
Eric Gentry gives special speech after injury
The unusual moment seemed to highlight how much of a motivational force and leader Gentry is for the Trojans defense. Gentry appeared to learn in the injury tent that they were going to shut him down for the rest of the game, and instead of waiting for the trainers to take him into the locker rooms — Gentry put aside his own injury and hopped onto the field with one leg.
After sharing his message with the team, Gentry was carted off the field while emotional as he continued to assure his teammates he would be okay.
Shortly afterwards, Gentry came back out onto the field to support his team — although he was no longer in uniform. It was not immediately clear what injury he suffered, but it was apparent that he could be out for significant time.
Jordan Addison injured as well
The Trojans were also facing a potentially serious injury to star receiver Jordan Addison after an injury he suffered in the second half. Addison went to the ground awkwardly after a tackle along the sideline and the Trojans star appeared to be in serious pain immediately after the play. Trainers looked at his ankle while he remained on the field, but he was able to stand and walk under his own power as they took him into the injury tent.
Following his time in the injury tent, Addison went into the locker room for additional treatment — as explained by sideline reporter Allison Williams.
“Jordan Addison remains in the locker room. He did walk off on his own to the locker room, but really struggling to put any weight on that left leg,” explained Williams.
Addison emerged sometime later from the locker room with crutches, finished with his day against the Utes on the field.