Isaac Kolstad, the former linebacker for Minnesota State University, Mankato, who was critically injured in a street fight last month, became father to another daughter on Wednesday.

Kolstad's wife, Molly, gave birth at the Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato, a spokesman there confirmed. It is the same hospital where Isaac Kolstad, 24, remains hospitalized in critical condition after suffering a fractured skull and traumatic brain injury May 11.

According to Kolstad's CaringBridge Web page, "Malia Mae Kolstad weighs 8.6 lbs. (just like her daddy) and is 21.5 inches long." The Kolstads also have a 3-year-old daughter.

"Haidyn is very excited to be a big sister," the CaringBridge post said. "She is already helping out so much. We are all in love with this new little girl."

The news came after another positive development this week. For the first time since being attacked, Kolstad responded Tuesday to verbal commands from his neurosurgeon, twice following directions to give a thumbs-up sign.

Later that day, however, Kolstad's CaringBridge page asked for prayers, saying there were concerns about pulmonary embolism if blood clots formed and dislodged.

Two men have been charged in the incident: former University of Minnesota quarterback and Mankato high school football star Philip Nelson, 20, and Trevor Shelley, 21, of St. Peter, Minn.

A punch from Shelley allegedly knocked Kolstad unconscious. Nelson is accused of kicking Kolstad in the head as he lay on the ground.

Pam Louwagie