Holliday regains consciousness

Football wide receiver Blair Holliday, in critical condition for a jet ski injury, opened his eyes and gave a thumbs up.

Earlier today, Rick and Leslie Holliday, the parents of Duke wide receiver Blair Holliday, issued a statement thanking the Duke football program for its support during their time of hardship. Blair Holliday suffered injuries to his head in a jet ski accident with teammate Jamison Crowder July 4, sending Holliday into critical condition at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Trauma Center.

"We firmly believe in the power of prayer, and are confident that everyone’s efforts have made a positive impact on Blair," the statement said. "As we continue focusing our energy towards Blair and our family, we also would like to thank everyone for respecting our privacy as it pertains to his condition."

The statement comes a day after good news on Twitter regarding Holliday’s health. Although there is no official update on his condition as of yesterday, according to the Duke sports information department, former Duke basketball player Nolan Smith tweeted yesterday, “#DukeFamily? Blair has opened his eyes and given a thumbs up!! Keep fighting bro!”