Mayville QB Matt Donovan Breathes on His Own for 16 Hours

Mayville, N.D. (trfnews.i234.me) — Mayville State quarterback Matt Donovan has reached another milestone in his recovery from a severe brain injury.

His family reported that he spent 16 hours breathing without help from a ventilator over the weekend.

The update came Sunday, October 25, more than five weeks after Donovan was injured during a college football game.

Family Reports Encouraging Progress in Nebraska

Donovan moved from Fargo to Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Lincoln, Nebraska, on October 19.

His father, Terry Donovan, reported two periods of breathing without mechanical support.

The first lasted 15 hours, followed by 16 hours the next day.

Donovan still has a tracheostomy, according to the family update. His progress does not mean he has fully recovered.

On Sunday, family members brought him to a church service.

It was his first church visit since the injury.

Afterward, relatives took him outside briefly so he could enjoy the sunshine.

Terry Donovan said Matt squeezed a family member’s hand when asked whether he wanted to go outdoors.

The family also described responses to questions during the outing. Those responses remain early and inconsistent.

After the activities, Donovan spent much of the afternoon resting.

Injury During September Homecoming Game

Donovan suffered the injury on September 19 during Mayville State’s homecoming game against Simpson University.

A helmet-to-helmet collision occurred in the third quarter at Jerome Berg Field in Mayville.

Emergency crews transported him by helicopter to Sanford Medical Center in Fargo.

Doctors found bleeding in his brain and performed emergency surgery to reduce dangerous pressure.

The surgery included a craniotomy. Surgeons removed portions of his skull to relieve the pressure.

Donovan was then treated in intensive care and placed in a medically induced coma.

On October 19, teammates gathered at the Fargo hospital as he left for specialized rehabilitation in Nebraska.

Family Asks for Continued Prayers and Support

His family continues to request prayers for greater wakefulness, awareness, and further healing.

They are also hoping for progress during rehabilitation sessions and stronger responses to the people around him.

Donovan continues to receive specialized care as his recovery progresses.

The family’s latest update highlights important steps forward, although his recovery remains ongoing.

Donovan’s official Mayville State player profile identifies him as a Comets quarterback.

Additional details about his progress were reported by WDAY Radio.

The October 26 Valley News Live report also covers the family’s update.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.