Sean Murray In Recovery Following Football Injury

Severna Park High School varsity football head coach Will Bell recalled a conversation he had with senior Sean Murray as the season was getting underway.

“The day before our second scrimmage, Sean stopped me after practice and just said, ‘Thank you, coach. I’ve never been so excited for football and I can’t wait for the season,’” Bell said.

The home scrimmage was against St. Mary’s High School on August 24. Murray had earned a starting position during preseason. As the clock ticked down in the second quarter, Murray caught a pass, had a great run and was then hit from behind.

“We all thought it was a normal injury, but when we saw he wasn't able to move, we knew it was real,” said Ryan Thorpe, a senior wide receiver.

Murray lay motionless on the field as the trainers and coaches assessed his injuries. Medical attention was called when the seriousness of the injury was realized. Murray was airlifted from behind Robert’s Field Stadium on the Bermuda fields. He was then taken by helicopter to Shock Trauma, where the doctors put him in a medically induced coma and found that he had fractured his spine and would never play football or another contact sport again.

Despite the unfortunate ending, Murray reflected on how football was an amazing experience like no other. He started playing in eighth grade for the Severna Park Green Hornets and enjoyed two years on JV and two years on varsity for the Falcons. In just those five years, Murray had dealt with multiple injuries.

“I’ve broken multiple ribs, fingers, multiple concussions, had a torn calf, broken femur, had to overcome mono and now a fractured spine just in football,” Murray said.

Whether it was his time on the Green Hornets or his four years playing high school football, Murray had a love for the game and strength to persevere through multiple injuries, his teammates said.

“He was always up-tempo and happy on the field but was serious when he needed to be,” said senior Garrett Edwards. “He always had such a positive attitude and always made us laugh.”

Senior Jake Cooley said, “Sean is an amazing friend and player. I was sad to see him get hurt; we all were. We are praying for a fast recovery.”

After about a month since the injury, Murray now works hard every day to keep a positive outlook and regain his strength. “The injury has changed everything about my life, all the little things I took for granted,” he said. “I am progressing every day, slowly.”

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Murray’s season and career have ended, but his positivity and determination to get better have inspired the Falcons to play with a purpose.

“Being an underclassman, I will always remember and pass on Sean’s love for the game and support he gave us even when everything was crashing down for him,” said junior Colin DeFeo.

As his time in high school comes to an end, his legacy on the field will remain in the minds of his teammates and coaches in the seasons to come. “He is a brother to all of us and always will be,” said senior Austin Persico said.

Severna Park High School wishes Murray the best and stands with him in his time of healing.

“Sean Murray is truly an inspiration to all of us each day,” said coach Bell.