Oct 17, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive back Jalen Watts-Jackson (20) dives into the end zone for a game winning touchdown as the clock runs out in the fourth quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Michigan State 27-23. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Michigan State hero Jalen Watts-Jackson, who was injured in the celebration after scoring the winning touchdown against rival Michigan with no time remaining, had surgery Sunday to repair a fractured hip.
Watts-Jackson, a redshirt freshman backup defensive back, broke his hip in the end zone after returning a fumbled punt snap 38 yards on the final play to give the seventh-ranked Spartans an improbable 27-23 victory over the No. 12 Wolverines on Saturday at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich.
Spartans coach Mark Dantonio said Watts-Jackson had surgery in Ann Arbor on Sunday morning.
Watts-Jackson was mobbed by celebrating teammates in the corner of the end zone and was unable to stand up after the pile on top of him cleared. He was placed on a stretcher and taken to University Hospital after the game.
A Michigan State spokesman told ESPN that Watts-Jackson’s hip was dislocated and popped back into place before he left the field.
