Bucknell University Athletics
Robert Naylor Making Significant Progress in Rehabilitation of Spinal Injury
1/13/2015 12:32:00 PM | Football
LEWISBURG, Pa. – Robert Naylor, the Bucknell football player who suffered a serious spinal injury two months ago, has made significant progress in his rehabilitation at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in New Jersey.
Naylor's recovery is nothing short of remarkable. A junior defensive lineman from Bangor, Pennsylvania, he was injured in the fourth quarter of the Lafayette at Bucknell game on November 1, 2014 at Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium. He received immediate expert medical attention on the field, and was transported to nearby Geisinger Medical Center, where he underwent successful spinal surgery on November 3. On November 9, he was transferred to Kessler Institute to begin his rehabilitation and recovery. On December 23, Robert left Kessler with only minor assistance to return home to celebrate the holidays with his family. Robert's outpatient care at Kessler is expected to continue for at least another three to four months.
Statement from Naylor Family:
“As a family, we would like to thank everyone for their support and prayers in this difficult time. Robert will be returning to Bucknell in the summer, which by then he will hopefully be fully recovered.”
-- David Naylor, father of Robert Naylor
Prior to the injury, Naylor played in all eight games this past season with 15 tackles, two tackles for loss and one sack for a Bison defense that finished the season ranked first in the Patriot League and 10th nationally in total defense under fifth-year head coach Joe Susan.
“The Bucknell Football Family is grateful for all of the support that many have provided Robert Naylor and his family as he works through his rehabilitation,” said Susan. “Our players and staff have kept in constant communication with Robert. His approach to this challenge has been comparable to his approach as a student-athlete on our campus and as a member of our team. Our coaching staff voted unanimously to give Robert the C. Dale Wolfe Recognition Award as the most inspirational player at our banquet in December. His attitude, dedication and resolve have been exemplary to all of us. He is an important member of our team and our campus and will return to both as he continues to play a significant role as a leader by example.”
