Nashville SC captain and U.S. men’s national team defender Walker Zimmerman was released from the hospital after receiving medical care following a head injury Saturday evening, a club spokesperson confirmed.
The 31-year-old defender was carted off the pitch and briefly hospitalized following a kick to the face in the 72nd minute in his team’s 2-1 loss to Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium.
Charlotte forward Kerwin Vargas had attempted a bicycle kick near the penalty box when Zimmerman dove forward to head the ball out of dangerous territory. Vargas’ foot collided with Zimmerman’s face, and the defender quickly dropped to the ground.
The referee blew his whistle repeatedly as players surrounded Zimmerman and trainers rushed to his aid. He was quickly placed on a stretcher with a neck brace and later carted off the pitch.
Nashville SC coach B.J. Callaghan said Zimmerman was taken to a local hospital after the game where he was in “stable condition” and “responsive.”
“Everything is being handled by the medical professionals,” Callaghan said. “We’ll let that process take its place but he’s under good care. (We) send him the best vibes that we can.”
Nashville defender Daniel Lovitz had high praise for his teammate following the game, adding that the scene was “difficult to watch” unfold.
“I’ve played with Walker long enough to see him put his head in some crazy situations, and quite frankly, it’s what makes him great and such a valuable part of our team and such a weapon offensively and defensively,” Lovitz said.
“That’s just a difficult situation. You have a guy trying to score a spectacular goal who has no mal intent, has no idea Walker is going to stick his head in there, (who) is just trying to score a goal. And Walker is going to put his face in there to try to save a goal, and ultimately, he did. It’s tough.”
Vargas received a yellow card following their collision.
Zimmerman was later named the “Man of the Match,” with his club sharing in a post, “All behind our captain.”
All in behind our captain.
Walker Zimmerman has been voted as today’s @Heineken_US Man of the Match. pic.twitter.com/wP1NWlmCHN
— Nashville SC (@NashvilleSC) April 5, 2025
(Photo: Adam Hunger / Getty Images)