Missouri Tigers running back Ahmad Hardy is in stable condition after being shot at a concert in Mississippi early Sunday morning, the university announced Monday.
A first-team All-SEC selection last season, Hardy underwent surgery after the shooting and is alert and moving around, according to ESPN, which reported there is optimism around his ability to play football in the future though a timeline has yet to be determined.
“Ahmad is deeply loved by his teammates, coaches, friends, family and fans,” the university’s statement said. “We will continue to stand beside him and his family through this difficult time, offering our love, prayers, strength and support.”
Hardy, 20, was born in Brookhaven, Miss., and attended high school in nearby Monticello.
In his first year of college ball for Louisiana-Monroe, he was named the 2024 Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the Year after he led the conference in rushing yards (1,351) and rushing touchdowns (13) on 237 attempts.
He then transferred to Missouri, where he was second among FBS players with 1,649 rushing yards last season, a mark that broke Missouri’s single-season rushing record. He earned the SEC Newcomer of the Year honor, was a finalist for the Doak Walker Award and a consensus All-American while scoring 16 touchdowns and averaging 6.4 yards on his 256 rushing attempts.
