Storm: Samuels in recovery

Legendary Storm receiver Lawrence Samuels, who was injured in a car accident on State 52 Thursday, is currently in stable condition after having surgery at Bayfront Medical Center Friday afternoon to repair his left tibia and fibula, according to team spokesperson Jim Robinson.

Samuels, who sustained injuries to his left leg and ribs, as well as cuts and abrasions, will continue to be monitored by doctors at Bayfront until next week. He is scheduled to begin physical therapy Saturday morning.

“As a member of our Storm family, the primary concern for Lawrence right now is his health and speedy recovery,” Storm coach Tim Marcum said in a release. “We will support he and his family in whatever way we can as they work with the Bayfront medical team through his recovery and the healing process.  As a player, he has been a key component to the success of the Storm for a long time. And in the future, should he look to come back to the field, we will work to keep him a part of the Storm organization.”

The accident occurred when Samuels’ vehicle was struck by another vehicle and sent off the road into a tree, according to the Storm. He was traveling with his 2-year-old daughter, who was unharmed. Since the accident, the Storm has been in regular contact with Samuels' family and the Bayfront medical staff.

Samuels, 38, is the Arena Football League's all-time leading receiver. He has spent 14 of his 15 AFL seasons with the Storm, and has 1,020 career receptions for 11,708 yards, 168 touchdown catches and three championship rings.

Samuels is currently a free-agent. 

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Comments

[Hailstorm]

Without a doubt Sanuels is the best receiver in the AFL. May all of us Storm fans pray for a speedy recovery from his injuries and also a prayer for the Samuels family.

[Hailstorm]

Without a doubt Samuels is the best receiver in the AFL. May all of us Storm fans pray for a speedy recovery from his injuries and also a prayer for the Samuels family.

[SnarkyBark]

My son was at a Storm kids camp 6-7 years ago and was definitely the youngest one out there. He was having trouble with the drills that Coach Marcum was putting them through. My little guy was just losing it on the field.Lawrence pulled him aside, put his jersey on my son (he was swimming in it!) and got him back into the drills.

A great guy and I wish him a speedy recovery.