8 devastating career-ending injuries in NFL history: From Joe Theismann to Reggie Brown

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa found himself in a scary situation during a Thursday night, September 12, game against the Buffalo Bills -- marking the third time he's been diagnosed with a concussion in his NFL career. The incident occurred in the third quarter when Tua scrambled for a first down and collided with Bills safety Damar Hamlin in the process. After their helmets clashed, Tua showed a troubling "fencing response" where his arms went stiff in an unnatural position. It was a tense scene as medical staff rushed to his side while teammates anxiously gathered around. Although Tua was able to walk off the field on his own, the moment was a chilling reminder of some of the most gruesome injuries in football history.

1. Damar Hamlin

On January 2, 2023, Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest during a Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals. After making a routine tackle, Hamlin stood up but immediately collapsed to the ground, unresponsive. Medical personnel rushed onto the field, administering CPR and using a defibrillator to restore his heartbeat before transporting him to the hospital. Hamlin has since made a full recovery.

2. Joe Theismann

Washington Redskins' legendary quarterback Joe Theismann suffered one of the most gruesome injuries in NFL history on November 18, 1985. During a game against the New York Giants, Theismann was sacked by linebacker Lawrence Taylor and this caused a compound fracture to his right leg. The image of his leg snapping on live television became an enduring symbol of the sport's physical risks. The injury ended Theismann’s career immediately.

3. Tua Tagovailoa

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa endured two severe concussions within the span of a few days during the 2022 NFL season. The first concussion occurred on September 25, and despite visible signs of disorientation, he returned to play just four days later, on September 29, against the Cincinnati Bengals. During that game, Tagovailoa suffered another concussion, resulting in a terrifying moment where he displayed the dreaded "fencing response".

4. Reggie Brown

Reggie Brown, a linebacker for the Detroit Lions, experienced a career-ending spinal cord injury on December 21, 1997, during a game against the New York Jets. After colliding with another player while making a tackle, Brown fell to the ground and couldn’t move. The medical staff quickly realized the severity of his injury and he was resuscitated on the field before being rushed to the hospital. Brown narrowly avoided permanent paralysis, but his football career was over. His injury prompted the NFL to enhance its emergency response procedures, making player safety a top priority.

5. Kevin Everett

Buffalo Bills tight end Kevin Everett suffered a life-threatening spinal cord injury on September 9, 2007, during a game against the Denver Broncos. While attempting to tackle an opposing player on a kickoff return, Everett’s helmet collided with the player’s shoulder and caused a dislocation and fracture of his cervical spine. Initially, it was feared that Everett would be paralyzed for life, but thanks to prompt medical intervention--including a pioneering treatment with cold saline to reduce spinal swelling--he made a remarkable recovery. However, Everett never played football again.

6. Johnny Knox

Chicago Bears wide receiver Johnny Knox sustained a devastating spinal cord injury during a game against the Seattle Seahawks on December 18, 2011. While diving for a fumble, Knox was hit by an opposing player and it caused his body to bend backward in an unnatural position. The impact fractured a vertebra and severely damaged his spinal cord. Knox underwent extensive surgery but was forced to retire from football at just 26 years old due to the risk of further injury.

7. Nick Chubb

Nick Chubb, a star running back for the Cleveland Browns, sustained a major knee injury during a college game at Georgia on October 10, 2015. While being tackled, Chubb’s left knee hyperextended and it resulted in a dislocated knee and tears to multiple ligaments -- including the PCL, MCL, and LCL. The injury was so severe that it threatened his football career, but Chubb made a successful return to the field after extensive rehabilitation and surgery.

8. NaVorro Bowman

NaVorro Bowman, a linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers, tore both his ACL and MCL during the NFC Championship Game on January 19, 2014. The injury occurred while Bowman was attempting to strip the ball from a Seattle Seahawks player during a crucial play. His knee twisted awkwardly, causing the severe ligament tears. Despite the stinging pain, Bowman held onto the ball. Unfortunately, the injury sidelined him for the entire 2014 season. While he eventually returned to the field, he was never quite the same player.