For the first time in nearly a month, Matt Donovan, the 2022 graduate of Kasson‑Mantorville High School and starting quarterback at Mayville State University, is no longer confined to an intensive‑care unit. After a head‑to‑head collision during a college football game in North Dakota that caused a brain bleed, Matt was air‑lifted from Sanford Hospital in Fargo to Madonna Rehab Hospital in Lincoln, Nebraska, where he will begin a structured rehabilitation program.
Family and community rally around the young athlete
Matt’s father, Terry Donovan – who also serves as head coach of the La Crescent‑Hokah football team – posted a heartfelt update on social media, thanking the medical staff at Sanford for “fighting for him and saving his life.” He added, “I cannot begin to tell you how proud I am of my son for making it through the ICU. It was not easy. Matt is made of determination, grit, and character, and getting through these last four weeks has shown all of that.”
Mayville State teammates and coaches also expressed their support. Head Football Coach Rocky Larson wrote on Facebook, “Today, our kids got their first chance to see Matt as he headed out. It was an incredibly special and emotional moment for our players that they’ll never forget.”
Rehabilitation plan and outlook
According to Terry Donovan, the next phase will focus on “working toward coming back,” acknowledging that Matt faces a “long road ahead.” The family remains hopeful, with Terry stating, “Stay tuned, because I believe the best is yet to come. I have a feeling we’re going to have some real page‑turners as this next chapter unfolds.”
Madonna Rehab Hospital specializes in neurological recovery, offering physical therapy, occupational therapy, and cognitive rehabilitation tailored to athletes recovering from traumatic brain injuries. While specific timelines have not been disclosed, medical experts stress that early, intensive rehab can significantly improve outcomes for young patients.
Local pride and support
The Kasson‑Mantorville community has responded with an outpouring of prayers, messages, and donations. Local churches organized prayer chains, and the high school’s alumni association set up a fundraiser to assist with travel and medical expenses. This collective response underscores the town’s commitment to its youth and the value placed on perseverance and faith.
Matt’s mother, Tina Donovan, accompanied him on the medical flight and continues to be a steady presence at the rehab facility. She echoed her husband’s sentiment, saying, “We are grateful for every prayer and every kind word. Our family’s faith has been a source of strength throughout this trial.”
What’s next for the quarterback?
When asked about the possibility of returning to the football field, Terry emphasized that the priority is Matt’s health. “We will let the doctors and therapists guide the timeline. If God wills it, and if Matt’s recovery permits, we hope to see him back on the field someday,” he said.
In the meantime, the Donovan family encourages the community to keep Matt in their thoughts and to support local initiatives that promote health, resilience, and strong family values.
About Mayville State University football
Mayville State University competes in the NAIA and fields a program that emphasizes both athletic excellence and academic achievement. The program’s coaching staff has praised Matt’s leadership on and off the field, noting his dedication to teammates and his commitment to representing his hometown with integrity.
As Matt begins his rehabilitation journey, the broader football community watches with hopeful anticipation, praying for a full recovery and a future return to the sport he loves.
Original reporting: News Talk 1340 KROC-AM – News and Talk – Rochester News Radio — read the source article.
