The Aporia · NFL line judge takes knee and appears to pray after umpire collapses during Jaguars-Texans London game

NFL line judge takes knee and appears to pray after umpire collapses during Jaguars-Texans London game

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Salguero, A. (2026, October 18). NFL line judge takes knee and appears to pray after umpire collapses during Jaguars-Texans London game. Fox News. https://www.foxnews.com/outkick-sports/nfl-line-judge-takes-knee-prays-field-umpire-collapses-jaguars-texans-london-game

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Quick Summary

During the Jaguars-Texans game in London, umpire Larry Smith collapsed after slipping on the turf, apparently suffering a knee issue that required medical attention. Line judge Carl Johnson knelt and prayed for Smith as trainers attended to him. This incident highlights the compassionate side of NFL officials often criticized by fans and media. The officiating crew adjusted their roles to manage the game with six members instead of seven after Smith's injury, which was later reported as a lower-leg issue.

Written by AI on 2026-10-18, from this article's own text only (the story summary below draws on all the coverage).

AI analysis

Story summary

During the first quarter of the Jaguars-Texans game in London at Wembley Stadium on October 16, 2026, umpire Larry Smith slipped and fell due to wet conditions. He initially tried to get up but then collapsed, unable to put any weight on his left leg. Trainers from both teams rushed to assist him, and he was carted off the field with an apparent leg injury. The incident reduced the officiating crew from seven to six members, leaving referee Shawn Hochuli to take on additional responsibilities. Smith, a school principal in Kansas City, Kan., had been a longtime college football official before joining the NFL in 2025. Line judge Carl Johnson kneeled and prayed for Smith as he received medical attention.

Written for “NFL Umpire Injury During Game” on 2026-10-31, grounded in this article and the 1 other(s) covering the same event.

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Ref gets carted off with injury during Jaguars-Texans game in London Same event

New York Post

Hedges 0 of 6 claims Outlet record 66/100

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0 of 16 hedged ("reportedly", "may", "according to")

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70/100

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Fox News · 6038 article(s) · 10 correction(s) detected

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Who wrote this

Armando Salguero

89 article(s) here · 0 carrying a prediction

🔮 And as the most curious calls went against the Packers, it doesn't surprise that team's postgame media session was replete with a withering review of the poor officiating work – led by safety Xavier McKinney who called the officiating "bulls–t." This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners.

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