Sports Stars Who Suffered Career-Threatening Injuries In Competition

Darren - June 28, 2021

Sports Stars Who Suffered Career-Threatening Injuries In Competition

Darren - June 28, 2021

4. Eric LeGrand (2010)

LeGrand had the world at his feet. The Rutgers defensive tackle was a highly-touted prospect and most analysts expected him to make it in the NFL. However, he never even got to the draft because of his health. The young man was essential to Rutger’s success. He had no idea a game against Army would change his life but that’s exactly what happened.

He made the crucial error of putting his head down in a tackle. After he drove headfirst into Malcolm Brown, he crumpled. Medics stretchered him off of the field as he was unable to move or even breathe properly. Soon it became clear that the injury was not only career-threatening but life-threatening as the collision paralyzed him from the neck down. LeGrand’s attitude is amazing and he is able to move his shoulders. Also, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers even signed him to a symbolic contract.

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3. Patrick Day (2019)

Day boxed because he loved the sport. It wasn’t that he had a pressing need for money because he had a university degree. However, he chose to compete instead of working in the health and wellness industry. This had tragic consequences because his last fight proved fatal. Day fought Charles Conwell in a title fight in Chicago. He lost the fight by way of knockout in round 10.

But the 27-year-old received major brain trauma from the KO. He slipped into a coma and sadly died from his injuries after four days. This story stunned the boxing world because it was a reminder of how brutal the sport can be. It is not only career-threatening but can clearly end a fighter’s life. Fighters literally risk their lives whenever they step into a ring. However, they still have a hunger to test themselves. In the end, Day went out doing what he loved.

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2. Fabrice Muamba (2012)

In 2012, Tottenham Hotspurs hosted Bolton Wanderers in an F.A. Cup tie. Nobody could have expected the horrible scene that occurred on the night. Bolton midfielder Muamba lost consciousness and collapsed to the field. Immediately, referee Howard Webb beckoned medics to attend him. It was clear that something was seriously wrong with his health because he lay prone on the field.

Medics from both teams attempted to resuscitate the 23-year-old. A cardiologist named Dr. Andrew Deaner made his credentials known to stewards and assisted them in their efforts. Finally, an ambulance removed the player and took him to the hospital. Miraculously, after two hours, Muamba’s heart began to beat again by itself. The injury was career-threatening and he never played soccer again but he returned to the stadium to show his appreciation to the fans.

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1. Alex Smith (2018)

Smith joined the Washington Redskins on a massive contract. However, it all went wrong for the quarterback when he suffered a gruesome career-threatening leg break against the Houston Texans. A collision with JJ Watt shattered the tibia and fibula in his right leg. Unfortunately, things became worse for Smith because a flesh-eating bacteria infected the wound. Suddenly, the injury was not only career-threatening but his life was at risk.

Surgeons seriously considered amputating his leg because it was so serious. Finally, after 17 surgeries, Smith recovered from this shocking ordeal. He still wore a leg brace because he lost a lot of tissue during the surgeries. Eventually, doctors removed the brace and he somehow returned to practice. Incredibly, he played for Washington during the 2020 NFL season despite the career-threatening injury. Needless to say, he won the Comeback Player of the Year Award.

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Sports Stars Who Suffered Career-Threatening Injuries In Competition