The St. Louis Rams had their spirits boosted before their victory Thursday thanks to a video chat with wide receiver Stedman Bailey.
Coach Jeff Fisher arranged for Bailey to speak to the team from the Miami hospital where he’s recovering, and it was the first time that virtually anyone on the team had seen the receiver since he was shot in the head on November 24.
“It was just awesome to see him,” linebacker James Laurinaitis said, via ESPN’s Nick Wagoner. “That was the first time seeing him since everything happened. He let us know that he’s been appreciative of all the prayers and everything.
“He just wanted to let us know he was appreciative and wanted us to go out here and kick some tail. It was awesome to see him. He let us know he’s rehabbing, jogging up and down the halls and stuff. It was really uplifting to the guys to be able to see him. You hear so much, but to be able to actually hear his voice and see him smile, I’m not sure words can be put to the emotion in that room.”
Many other Rams paid tribute to Bailey during the game, with defensive end William Hayes going as far as to write Bailey’s number 12 on his helmet despite the inevitable NFL fine he’ll receive.
Bailey also tweeted during the game for the first time since the shooting.
My boys came to play!! @KennyBritt_18 @Tayaustin01 I love y'all boys man keep it up. I'm n my hospital bed on 100! Let's go rams
— STEDMAN BAILEY SR (@iamSB3) December 18, 2015
It’s good to see that Bailey is doing well, and his teammates were inspired enough to win the game.
