Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone posted on X on Thursday morning that his parents are headed home safely from Israel after being stranded due to the ongoing deadly conflict.
“Thank you to everyone who has been saying prayers for my family and their safety,” Anzalone said. “It’s been a scary, anxiety filled several days but my parents are headed home safely. So many people to thank but I know this, God is good.”
Anzalone first revealed that his parents were stuck in Israel following the Lions’ 42-24 home win over the Panthers this past Sunday.
“It’s hard,” Anzalone told The Detroit News following the game. “(It’s) really all I’ve been thinking about.”
Sal and Judy Anzalone were among a group of 53 Americans who traveled to Israel with the First Naples Baptist church from Naples. Fla., per the report, and arrived Oct. 2.
Hamas then launched the biggest attack on Israel in 50 years, with the nation subsequently declaring war on Hamas. More than 1,200 Israelis and 1,050 Palestinians have died, according to Gaza officials.
The First Naples party had a flight scheduled to leave Israel via Tel Aviv on Thursday, the Detroit News reported Sunday night.
First Naples Communications Pastor Andy Wells told The Associated Press on Wednesday that the return trip was still on schedule.
“Our prayer is that they are able to return on their regularly scheduled flight and be back to us soon,” Wells said.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell called Anzalone after learning of his parents’ situation.
“I don’t want to elaborate on anything, but he felt they were safe,” Campbell said, according to the AP. “It’s just finding a way out.
“I know it’s not easy, and I know it weighs on him heavy. That’s a tough deal out there.”
The First Naples church previously provided an update on Instagram on Sunday with a photo that was captioned: “Pray for Israel and our team.”
“From Pastor Alan: ‘We are doing good at our hotel in Jerusalem. Continue to pray for Israel and for this to be resolved as peacefully and quickly as possible,'” the Instagram post stated. “‘We are trusting in the Lord and we know that God’s got this.’”
Anzalone, a third-round pick from Florida in 2017, has 35 combined tackles and one sack for the NFC North-leading Lions (4-1).
The Lions visit the Buccaneers (3-1) in Week 6.