Mason Martin, the Karns City quarterback who collapsed Friday night, Sept. 1, at a football game and is being treated at a Pittsburgh hospital, has made subtle improvement according to his father, Denny Martin. Holly Mead/Special to the Eagle

Mason Martin’s family is reading him every card sent to his hospital room, the high school quarterback’s father, Denny Martin, said Thursday, Sept. 7.

The next critical step in his son’s recovery will be for 17-year-old Mason to open his eyes, Martin said. Once the swelling in his brain goes down, doctors will be able to perform conclusive tests, including an MRI, to assess his condition, he said.

Mason has made “slight progress” since Friday, Sept. 1, when he collapsed during a Karns City football game, and doctors are optimistic, Martin said.

Mason was unresponsive for 48 hours following his on-field fall, his father said.

Since then, the progress has been subtle, but substantial.

“(Progress) is as subtle as him reaching slightly to the center line of his body … they consider that a purposeful movement,” Martin said.

He shared that the family is coping a little better each day as the emotional shock of the incident wears off.

He asked the community to “keep it going” as they remember Mason and his recovery.

Still, Mason’s recovery looks to be a long journey.

“It’s (going to be) a long journey and this is just the beginning,” Martin said. “As a family, we’re going to need the support the whole way throughout.”

He noted that no matter how small, the show of support from businesses, school districts and people on social media has been overwhelming and meaningful for the family.

“We make sure he hears it all,” Martin said. “We let him know every post on social media; every card sent, we read it to him.”

Mason has played football since he was 7 years old, Martin said. His father, who has taught physical education as a gym teacher for more than 20 years in the Moniteau School District, described the high school senior as loving, caring and a “people pleaser.”

Martin said the family is keeping strong by sticking together and is encouraged by the outpouring of support from Karns City and beyond.

“I would say we’re a very tight family,” Martin said. “We can lean on each other and then, of course, the community support (is) so uplifting. It really motivates us.”