Former Texas Longhorns and ex-NFL player Jordan Shipley is fighting for recovery after suffering severe burns in a terrifying accident at his Texas ranch.
The 40-year-old remains in critical but stable condition after a machine he was operating caught fire near his hometown of Burnet on Tuesday, January 6. Shipley’s family confirmed the incident in a statement released by University of Texas Senior Associate Athletics Director John Bianco.
According to the family, Shipley was working on his ranch when the equipment suddenly ignited. He was able to free himself, but not before sustaining severe burns across his body. Despite his injuries, Shipley managed to reach one of his ranch workers, who rushed him to a nearby hospital. He was later airlifted to a medical facility in Austin for advanced treatment.
“He remains in critical but stable condition,” the family said, adding that they are grateful for the rapid response that helped save his life.
Shipley’s wife, Sunny Leigh Shipley, whom he married in 2011, has not publicly commented since the accident. The couple share two young sons, and just days before the incident, Sunny had posted photos celebrating the family’s Christmas together.
Shipley owns and operates Shipley Ranches, where his brother, former Longhorns receiver Jaxon Shipley, also works as a real estate agent. Jaxon shared an emotional message on Instagram following the accident, asking for prayers.
“His life was spared today by the grace of God and the sheer will to live,” Jaxon wrote. “Please pray for full healing and no infections or other issues on his road to recovery.”
Their father, Bob Shipley, later shared an update saying Jordan is undergoing multiple surgeries to treat his burns. He noted that infections and pneumonia are currently the biggest concerns.
Shipley is best known for his standout college career with the Texas Longhorns from 2006 to 2009. He set a school record with 116 receptions in 2009 and totaled 1,489 receiving yards that season. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2010 and later spent time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jacksonville Jaguars before retiring from football in 2014.