Stanley Bryant, the left tackle for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, has been released from hospital and is now back home.
The 35-year-old player expressed his gratitude to the CFL community and, in particular, to the fans in Manitoba for their concern and compassion.
The team's PR person, Darren Cameron, said on X on Saturday afternoon that Bryant had been released from hospital after spending the night for observation and further tests.
"Stanley Bryant has been released from hospital and has returned home," Cameron said. "He is feeling considerably better, and wanted to extend a thank you to everyone across the CFL, specifically the amazing fans here in Manitoba, for their concern and compassion."
Stanley Bryant has been released from hospital and has returned home. He is feeling considerably better, and wanted to extend a thank you to everyone across the CFL, specifically the amazing fans here in Manitoba, for their concern and compassion.
— Darren Cameron (@Darren_Cameron) August 24, 2024
Bryant's health became a significant concern during Friday night’s game when he was taken off the field on a stretcher just minutes into the action. Initially, Bryant had taken a knee after blocking on the first drive. Although he briefly stood up and attempted to walk back to the huddle, he went down again, leading to the deployment of a stretcher. The situation led to a 16-minute delay, with many fans and teammates anxiously awaiting updates.
Blue Bombers’ coach Mike O'Shea addressed the situation after the game, offering some reassurance. “It looked not good, but Stan is feeling a lot better,” O'Shea said. “It was a combination of the heat and being sick – he was sick all week, in a short week, and it just all added up to him not feeling good for a second.”
At the time of the incident, the temperature at Princess Auto Stadium was 24 degrees Celsius, but with humidity at 62 per cent, it felt more like 31 degrees. This extreme weather was believed to have contributed to Bryant’s condition.
Following the game, Darren Cameron, the team’s Senior Director of Public and Player Relations, visited Bryant in hospital. He reported that Bryant was awake and resting, and while further evaluations were scheduled for the following day, he was doing well. “As soon as the final whistle blew, the phone rang: ‘Tell the boys congrats, I’m alright, and I love them,’” Cameron shared.
Bryant's teammates also reflected on the emotional impact of the incident. Centre Chris Kolankowski commented on the difficulty of seeing a teammate on a stretcher. “It’s about dealing with the emotions in the moment and then once he’s off the field we’ve just got to do what we do and play how we play and make him proud,” he said.
The Blue Bombers extended their winning streak to three games with Friday's victory. The Bombers now prepare for the annual Labour Day Classic this Sunday in Regina.