The brother of Jordan Shipley has provided an emotional update on the ex-NFL and Texas star after he suffered ‘severe burns’ following a horrific accident on his ranch.Â
According to a statement released on Tuesday, a machine being operated by the Longhorns legend ‘caught fire, and although he managed to get out, it was not before sustaining severe burns on his body in the process.’
The statement also revealed that Shipley, 40, was in ‘critical but stable condition’ after being rushed to the hospital following the horrifying incident.Â
On Friday, Shipley’s brother, Jaxon, shared an update from the hospital and showed the ex-NFL star entirely covered by a blanket as his family stood by his side.Â
In the caption to the post, Jaxon also shared a poem which he had written for the former Texas Longhorns star.Â
Titled ‘Man of Purpose’, the poem read: ‘A deflector – better yet a director – of light. A beam concentrated through a microscope magnifying the image of Christ. Though often receiving glory, of which is deserved- he seeks it not. A vessel whose strength is found in knowing what lives inside. How great a man in which the Spirit resides.
Former Texas star and NFL receiver Jordan Shipley has been hospitalized with severe burns
Shipley’s brother, Jaxon, shared an update from the hospital and showed the ex-NFL star entirely covered by a blanket as his family stood by his side
‘Many acquaintances, but few called friend. If you are lucky enough to be one of those few- loyalty is second to none. Thoughts taken captive. Words pondered, milled over, and refined by time before released- held on a leash. Strength of Mind his greatest asset. Soaring with eagles- Sights set high, determination unfailing.
‘Many attach meaning and value to trivial pursuits. There is one thing which a man can possess that is more powerful than even death. Closer than your next breath.Â
‘Many travel the world over searching in every direction, for meaning in every possession. It’s found at the end of a narrow road. It’s found buried in a field. It’s found in a pearl of great price. A treasure worth trading your life.
‘Desires shed- new life abounds. Because of the one who paid my debt, purpose is found. Life in vivid color- eyes open wide. How great a man in which the Spirit resides’.
Shipley, 40, spent three seasons in the NFL and played for three different teams during that time – including the Bengals, Jaguars and the Buccaneers.Â
He was drafted by the Bengals as the 84th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft and signed a four-year contract worth $2.45 million, with a signing bonus of $757,000.Â
Jaxon’s update came just a few days after Jordan’s wife, Sunny Leigh, who he shares two sons – Swayde and Shield – with, posted a positive update on his condition.
She revealed that he ‘did as well as he could overnight’ and that, while he isn’t able to communicate yet, doctors are ‘keeping him comfortable’.Â
Shipley spent three seasons in the NFL and played for three different teams during that time
Shipley’s career in the NFL was short-lived but he remains well revered in college football
Sunny Leigh wrote on Facebook on Wednesday: ‘First of all, we feel your prayers. The Lord has answered your cries for Jordan as well as mine. The Holy Spirit was more tangible yesterday than I have ever felt before.
‘I am nothing but humbled by the love and support from our family, friends and the most amazing community in the world Burnet, Texas. Jordan did as well as he could overnight. I was thankful to be able to be with him even though he’s not able to communicate yet. He’s in a lot of pain, as expected.Â
‘So they are keeping him sedated and comfortable. At the moment they are taking another look at his burns and looking at his lungs again before they can remove his breathing tube.Â
‘We don’t know exactly what happened yet but, from what we’ve gathered so far, it’s an absolute miracle that he is still here with us. His God given stubborn will, athletic ability and pain tolerance is why he is still here with us.Â
‘He was in the middle of nowhere and any other person would’ve gone into shock. He somehow made it to the only other person out there who was over 10 miles away. Praise be to God.Â
‘Jordan loves Jesus. He loves Jesus in a way that I wish I could. I know he was there with him in the fire yesterday. We will know more about the severity of his burns today.Â
‘The main concern at this moment are his hands, keeping infection away and his kidney function. We will take this day to day and I will try to update when I can because I know that there are so many that love Jordan.Â
‘I know he’s got a long hard recovery ahead, but if anyone can do it.. he can. Please keep praying. We so covet them. We love you all.’
Ex-NFL player Shipley gave an update on his condition after he was hospitalizedÂ
Shipley ‘did as well as he could overnight’: The couple share young sons Swayde and ShieldÂ
While he may not have had the glittering NFL career he may have hoped, Shipley is well revered in the college football scene following his time with the Longhorns.
He attended the University of Texas from 2004-2009, where he played for Mack Brown’s Texas Longhorns team and was one of their standout players.Â
In October 2008, he set a Texas Longhorn record for receptions after catching 15 passes for 168 yards during a victory over Oklahoma State.Â
Overall, he played 53 games for Texas. He was an All-American in 2009, which is the same season the Longhorns won the Big 12 and reached the national championship.Â
During the 2008 and 2009 seasons, Shipley managed to produce back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons as a wide receiver.