Former Texas Football Star Jordan Shipley Hospitalized After Ranching Accident
BURNET, Texas — Jordan Shipley, a former standout receiver for the University of Texas Longhorns and a former NFL player, was hospitalized in critical but stable condition after sustaining severe burns in a ranching accident near his hometown of Burnet. The incident occurred Tuesday afternoon when the machinery Shipley was operating caught fire, according to a statement released by his family through the university. Despite the severity of the burns, Shipley managed to escape the blaze and seek help.
Shipley was initially transported to a local hospital by one of his ranch workers before being airlifted to a specialized medical center in Austin for advanced treatment. The family’s statement emphasized that while the situation remains serious, Shipley’s condition is stable.
Shipley’s football career began at the University of Texas, where he played from 2006 to 2009. He left the program as the all-time leader in receptions with 248 catches and ranked second in both receiving yards (3,191) and touchdowns (33). A two-time All-American, Shipley also made significant contributions on special teams, returning 30 punts for 375 yards and three touchdowns, as well as 19 kickoffs for 468 yards and one touchdown.
Following his collegiate success, Shipley was selected in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. Over three seasons, he played for the Bengals, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, accumulating 79 receptions for 858 yards and four touchdowns.
The accident highlights the risks associated with ranch work, a vital but often hazardous occupation in rural Texas. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration provides guidelines for safe operation of agricultural equipment, emphasizing the importance of fire prevention and emergency preparedness.
Local authorities and medical personnel have not disclosed further details about the accident, but the Texas Department of State Health Services notes that burn injuries require specialized care due to the risk of infection and complications.
Shipley’s family and former teammates have expressed support and hope for his recovery. The University of Texas Athletic Department issued a statement wishing Shipley a swift and full recovery, underscoring his lasting impact on the program.
For updates on burn injury treatment and safety protocols, resources are available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which provides guidance on emergency response for rural communities.
As Shipley undergoes treatment, the sports community and fans alike are rallying behind the former athlete, whose achievements on the field remain a proud chapter in Texas football history.
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