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AIPROPX ReportYahoo Sports · 1h ago
8 most memorable injuries that ruined NFL teams’ preseasons
NFL preseason games might not count, but they have absolutely changed football history. Every summer, teams show up at training camp full of hope, and coaches use the time to evaluate new players and get ready for the real games. But sometimes, everything falls apart in a single play.
Over the years, some of the league’s biggest stars have suffered devastating injuries before the regular season even kicked off. These moments don’t just ruin a player’s year, they completely blow up a team’s game plan. Suddenly, a franchise is forced to search for a new quarterback or rebuild their entire offense on the fly. At times, a backup steps up to save the day and becomes a legend. On the other hand, a promising young star’s career is tragically cut short.
MORE: 7 best things about NFL preseason games only real fans appreciate
A few of these injuries were so severe they forced the NFL to take a hard look at player safety. Here is a look at eight unforgettable preseason injuries that changed teams’ plans and left a lasting mark on the NFL.
8. Darryl Stingley, New England Patriots (1978)
New England Patriots receiver Darryl Stingley (84) in action against the Buffalo Bills at Foxboro Stadium. Credit: Dick Raphael-USA TODAY Sports via Imagn Images Injury: Compressed spinal cord and fractured vertebrae
When it happened: August 1978 preseason game vs. Oakland Raiders
Darryl Stingley suffered the most tragic preseason injury in NFL history. During a pass route across the middle, he was hit by Raiders defensive back Jack Tatum. The collision caused a compressed spinal cord and fractured vertebrae.
Although the hit was legal under the rules at the time, the impact left Stingley paralyzed. He became a quadriplegic and never played football again.
The incident shocked the football world. It went far beyond one preseason game and sparked years of discussion about player safety and dangerous hits. Even today, it remains one of the saddest moments the NFL has ever seen.
7. Jamal Lewis, Baltimore Ravens (2001)
Baltimore Ravens running back Jamal Lewis (31) in action against Oakland Raiders defensive back Marquez Pope (49) during the 2000-01 AFC Championship game at Oakland Alameda Coliseum. Credit: Peter Brouillet-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Injury: Torn ACL and sprained MCL
When it happened: August 2001 training camp
Baltimore entered the 2001 season as the defending Super Bowl champions. Jamal Lewis was expected to carry the offense after rushing for 1,364 yards as a rookie in 2000.
Instead, Lewis tore his ACL and sprained his MCL during training camp. The injury ended his season before it started.
His absence hurt the Ravens badly. Their historic defense remained strong, but the running game never recovered. Without Lewis leading the offense, Baltimore failed to defend its Super Bowl title. The injury was also featured during the first season of HBO’s “Hard Knocks.”
6. LeCharles Bentley, Cleveland Browns (2006)
Injury: Torn patellar tendon
When it happened: July 2006 training camp
LeCharles Bentley arrived in Cleveland as one of the NFL’s best centers. He had earned two Pro Bowl selections and signed a six-year, $36 million contract with his hometown Browns.
Everything changed early in training camp. Bentley tore his patellar tendon before playing a regular-season snap.
Things became even worse after serious staph infections during his recovery. Those complications forced him into early retirement. Cleveland lost the player it expected to anchor its offensive line, and Bentley never appeared in a regular-season game for the Browns.
MORE: 5 most watchable storylines at NFL training camps
5. Ki-Jana Carter, Cincinnati Bengals (1995)
Cincinnati Bengals running back Ki-Jana Carter (32) on the sidelines against the San Francisco 49ers at 3Com Park. Credit: Peter Brouillet-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Injury: Torn ACL
When it happened: August 1995, third carry of his first preseason game
The Bengals believed Ki-Jana Carter would become the face of their franchise. They selected him with the No. 1 overall pick after he rushed for 1,539 yards and 23 touchdowns during Penn State’s unbeaten 12-0 season in 1994.
His NFL career changed almost immediately. Carter tore his ACL on just the third carry of his first preseason game.
That injury wiped out his entire rookie season. Although he returned, he never regained the same speed and explosiveness. Carter finished his seven-year NFL career with only 1,144 rushing yards and 21 total touchdowns, far below the expectations that came with being the top overall pick.
4. Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys (2016)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo gets off a pass during the first quarter of their game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday. Credit: Imagn Images Injury: Fractured vertebra in his back
When it happened: August 2016 preseason game vs. Seattle Seahawks
Tony Romo entered 2016 hoping to bounce back after missing most of the previous season with a broken collarbone. Dallas had built a talented roster and expected its longtime quarterback to lead another playoff run.
Instead, Romo suffered a fractured vertebra during a preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks.
His injury opened the door for rookie Dak Prescott. Prescott made the most of the opportunity. He led Dallas to a 13-3 record, finished with 29 total touchdowns and threw only four interceptions.
Romo never regained the starting job. He appeared for only one drive in Week 17 before retiring after the season. The injury permanently changed the Cowboys’ future at quarterback.
3. Trent Green, St. Louis Rams (1999)
Injury: Knee injury
When it happened: August 1999 preseason game after a hit by Rodney Harrison
The Rams signed Trent Green to a four-year, $17.5 million contract before the 1999 season. They also added Marshall Faulk and drafted Torry Holt to build a powerful offense around him.
Green’s season ended in the preseason after a knee injury caused by a hit from ...
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