Cal's Robert Paylor has a long road ahead of him after suffering a horrifying neck injury that left him paralyzed from the chest down during the Varsity Cup Final against Arkansas State on Saturday.

Paylor, a Golden Bears sophomore and Jesuit High School product, appeared to land on his head when a maul went to the ground during the game. The 6-foot-5 lock was attended to on the field even before play had stopped and was taken via ambulance to a hospital in Santa Clara, where he is still receiving treatment.

"The Paylor family would like to extend our sincere gratitude and thanks to the Cal Rugby family, friends and community for all your prayers and support," the Paylor family said in a statement. "We can't find the words that express what that has meant to all of us in this very sad time in our lives. Robert is currently working on stabilizing his condition so he can start rehabilitation.

"The injury paralyzed his lower body with limited motion in his arms. This will be a long and difficult journey for Robert and his outcome is uncertain. But we know his faith and determination will get him as far as he can go in regaining mobility. We are overwhelmed with the love and support we've received from people all over the country and ask that you continue to keep Robert in your prayers."

Jesuit coach Marlon Blandon spoke to Sacramento's CBS 13 about Paylor after news of the injury spread.

"He is a very good young man of faith," Blandon said. "I'm sure that will help him and his family get through it."

Cal head coach Jack Clark said in a statement that the team was "devastated" by Paylor's injury.

As Paylor undergoes surgeries and rehab, a GoFundMe page has been set up to help cover his medical costs and has raised over $372,000 as of Thursday afternoon.



A prayer service in support of Paylor will be held Thursday, May 11, at Newman Hall-Holy Spirit Parish in Berkeley, CA, at 8 PM.