BATON ROUGE — Former LSU wide receiver Drew Hixon’s condition remained unchanged as of Monday evening, according to a release from the Tennessee Tech Sports Information Department. Drew, a current member of the Tennessee Tech football team, is listed in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa, Fla., where he is in a medically induced coma.
Drew suffered a serious injury at the end of a play during the second quarter of Tennessee Tech’s game Saturday evening against the University of South Florida in Raymond James Stadium. He received immediate medical attention on the field, was taken from the field on a stretcher, and transported by ambulance to St. Joseph’s Hospital.
He was unconscious at the time of the injury, and has not regained consciousness. He underwent tests Saturday night that indicated a brain injury.
As of Monday morning, Drew’s vital signs are stable and he is resting comfortably. David Green, Tennessee Tech’s head athletic trainer, remains in Tampa with Drew and his family.
Coach Mike Hennigan and his staff, along with athletic director Mark Wilson, held a team meeting Saturday night after returning to the hotel to inform the players of Drew’s condition at the time. The team returned to campus Sunday afternoon.
“Right now, all of our thoughts and prayers are with Drew,” said TTU coach Mike Hennigan. “The uncertainty of the situation is a concern, and we all hope and pray for the best.”
“Drew is an exceptional young man, and our only concern is for his complete recovery,” said Wilson. “Our thoughts and prayers are for Drew and his family during this difficult time. Every member of the football program, the athletic department and the entire university community is concerned and hopeful.”
Tech president Bob Bell was at the game and went to the hospital with Wilson and USF officials immediately following the injury.
“Our hearts and prayers are with Drew and his family,” Bell said Monday morning. “As a Tennessee Tech student and a Golden Eagle, Drew is part of a large community of caring people. Together we pray for his full recovery and return to our campus, and we hope that will be very soon.”
Several calls have been received in the athletic department and the football office with thoughts and concerns, and with questions about sending flowers and cards. Flowers can not be delivered to the ICU, so they are discouraged at this time. Cards to Drew and his family can be sent to the football office at: TTU Box 5057, Cookeville, Tenn. 38505. Cards being sent to the football team members and coaching staff should be sent to the same address but marked for the team.
Drew’s mother, Rebecca, was at the game and has been with Drew since the injury occurred. Drew’s father, Stan, who coached at LSU for four years and is now an assistant coach with the Washington Redskins, was able to join her on Sunday.
Drew is a senior finance major. He is Tech’s leading receiver in 2004 with 10 catches for 102 yards and scored the game-winning touchdown in the team’s season opener against Gardner-Webb on Sept. 4.
Drew’s family releases statement:
“The family of Drew Hixon would like to express our deep appreciation for the wellspring of support that we have received from people all across the America in response to Drew’s injury. Although he is in critical condition, we are trusting God for his life and healing. We know that nothing is impossible with God and we request your continued prayers for Drew’s full and complete recovery.”
Stan and Rebecca Hixon, parents
Adele and Avis Hixon, sisters
You can email your thoughts, prayers, and words of encouragement to the Hixon family at lsusid@lsu.edu.