The wife of former Texas Longhorns icon and NFL wide receiver Jordan Shipley has issued a heartfelt update on his condition, after he was hospitalised with severe burns following a terrifying accident on his ranch.
A Miraculous Escape from the Flames
According to a statement released on Tuesday, a machine being operated by the American football legend caught fire. Shipley managed to escape the blaze, but not before sustaining what were described as severe burns across his body.
His wife, Sunny Leigh, with whom he shares two young sons named Swayde and Shield, has now posted a lengthy and positive update on social media. She revealed that Jordan "did as well as he could overnight" and, while he is not yet able to communicate, medical staff are "keeping him comfortable."
Wife's Emotional Statement and Road to Recovery
In her Facebook post on Wednesday, Sunny Leigh expressed profound gratitude for the outpouring of support. "First of all, we feel your prayers. The Lord has answered your cries for Jordan as well as mine," she wrote. She described the community of Burnet, Texas, as "the most amazing community in the world."
She detailed his current medical status, explaining he is in significant pain and remains sedated. Doctors are assessing his burns and lungs before they can remove his breathing tube. "The main concern at this moment are his hands, keeping infection away and his kidney function," she noted.
Sunny Leigh emphasised the miraculous nature of his survival, stating the accident happened "in the middle of nowhere." She credited his "God given stubborn will, athletic ability and pain tolerance" for enabling him to reach help over ten miles away. "We will take this day to day... I know he’s got a long hard recovery ahead, but if anyone can do it.. he can," she concluded, asking for continued prayers.
Shipley's Football Career: From College Stardom to the NFL
Jordan Shipley, 40, enjoyed a celebrated college career with the Texas Longhorns from 2004 to 2009 under coach Mack Brown. He set multiple school records, including a single-game receptions record of 15 catches for 168 yards against Oklahoma State in October 2008. He was an All-American in 2009, the same season Texas won the Big 12 and reached the national championship.
His professional career spanned three seasons in the NFL after being drafted 84th overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2010 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year contract worth $2.45 million. His promising start was halted by a devastating knee injury in the following season, tearing both his ACL and MCL.
After being waived by the Bengals, he had brief stints with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Jacksonville Jaguars, for whom he made six appearances in 2012, before being released in September 2013.
