Damar Hamlin
In January 2023, the Bills met the Bengals in a key season-ending game with huge postseason implications. But then a shocking moment came out of nowhere that put football out of most people’s minds. Bills’ safety Hamlin collapsed on the field and it was immediately clear that something was seriously wrong.

Later, it emerged that he suffered a cardiac issue that could have killed him. The officials rightfully called off the game because the players weren’t in the right mental space to continue. Luckily, both teams made the playoffs and Hamlin made a full recovery (via NFL).