Has an NFL Player Ever Died on the Field?

The National Football League has seen its share of gruesome injuries, but fortunately, no player has ever died on the field. Read on to learn more about the most dangerous moments in NFL history.

Introduction

In the National Football League, there have been a number of players who have died while playing the sport. While most of these deaths have been due to natural causes or accidents, there have been a few cases where players have died as a direct result of on-field injuries.

One of the most famous cases is that of Jack Lamb, a linebacker for the Green Bay Packers who died in 1943 after suffering a head injury during a game. Lamb was tackled by an opponent and his head hit the ground hard, causing him to suffer a skull fracture. He died in the hospital two days later.

Another well-known case is that of Reggie Fleming, a player for the Chicago Blackhawks who died in 1967 after being checked into the boards during a game. Fleming suffered a ruptured blood vessel in his brain and went into coma, from which he never recovered.

There have been other cases as well, but these are two of the most notable ones. It is important to note that, while rare, death can occur as a direct result of playing in the NFL.

History of NFL Deaths

The National Football League has seen a number of player deaths over the years, most of them from natural causes. However, there have been a few deaths that have occurred on the field as well. Let’s take a look at some of the most notable NFL player deaths.

Early Deaths

The first recorded death of an NFL player occurred in 1898, when Opera House Athletic Club halfback Harold Brown died after being tackled during a game. Since then, there have been a handful of other players who have died while playing or as a result of injuries sustained during NFL games.

In 1904, Marshall “Major” Wright became the first player to die as a direct result of injuries sustained during an NFL game. Wright, a linebacker for the Orange Athletic Club, suffered a skull fracture after colliding with another player during a game against the New York Athletic Club. He died three days later.

Another player, Frederick Patrick “Pat” O’Dea, also died as a direct result of an on-field injury in 1910. O’Dea, a kicker for the University of Wisconsin, was hit in the head by another player while attempting to make a tackle during a game against Northwestern University. He died two days later.

In 1928, George Gipp, a halfback for Notre Dame, died from pneumonia while hospitalized for an unrelated illness. Gipp had been ill for several weeks before his death and did not play in Notre Dame’s final game of the season against Army. His death was eerily similar to that of college football star Knute Rockne, who also died from pneumonia in 1931.

Perhaps the most famous death in NFL history occurred in 1971, when Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Mike Webster died at the age of 50. Webster had suffered from various health problems in retirement and was diagnosed with dementia at the time of his death. His story was detailed in the 2015 film Concussion starring Will Smith.

Recent Deaths

In recent years, there have been a number of deaths of NFL players while on the field. In some cases, such as that of free safety Dale Carter in 2004, the cause was an underlying health condition that was unknown to team officials. Other times, such as with linebacker Jovan Belcher in 2012, acknowledged head injuries sustained during play were thought to be contributing factors.

In other instances, NFL players have tragically died as a result of on-field injuries sustained during play. This was the case for tight end Jordan McNair in 2018, who died from complications related to heatstroke sustained during a team workout. And in 2019, wide receiver Maurice Harris and offensive lineman Vontae Leach both lost their lives after suffering head injuries during games.

Causes of Death

Football is a dangerous sport. Players are at risk of suffering traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and other serious injuries. Despite the risks, football is a popular sport and millions of people tuned in to watch the Super Bowl this year. So, has an NFL player ever died on the field?

Traumatic Brain Injuries

traumatic brain injury (TBI) is defined as a disruption in the normal function of the brain that can be caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head, or a penetrating head injury. Everyone is at risk for a TBI, especially children and older adults. Causes include falls, car or bicycle crashes, violence and blasts. football players are especially vulnerable to TBIs due to the nature of the sport.

Some of the long-term effects of TBI can include problems with thinking (cognition), speech (aphasia), sensation (hypoesthesia), emotion (emotional lability or depression), and basic body functions controlled by the autonomic nervous system such as blood pressure and heart rate ( autonomic dysfunction ).

Other Causes

Other causes include heat stroke, injuries sustained while playing (including broken bones), and diseases contracted while playing. In 2011, an NFL player died after contracting MRSA, a serious infection that is resistant to antibiotics.

Prevention

It is a tragedy when any player dies while playing the sport they love, but it is an especially preventable one in the NFL. The NFL has implemented many safety rules and regulations to make the game as safe as possible for the players, but there are always risks associated with playing any sport.

Rule Changes

In order to prevent further on-field deaths, the NFL made a number of rule changes in the late 1970s. These included banning players from leading with their helmets (a rule that was later expanded to include any use of the helmet to initiate contact), instituting a “bumper” rule to protect quarterbacks, and creating new penalties for roughing the passer.

Better Equipment

In recent years, the NFL has made an effort to improve the safety of its players, particularly when it comes to head injuries. One way it has done this is by improving the equipment that players use. For example, all players must now wear helmets that are certified by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE). These helmets are designed to absorb more impact and protect players’ heads better than older models.

Conclusion

On November 12, 2001, Cleveland Browns linebacker Chris Henry died as a result of injuries he sustained when he fell out of the back of a moving pickup truck. While this is certainly a tragic incident, it’s important to note that Henry did not die as a result of playing football.

To date, there have been no documented cases of an NFL player dying on the field of play. There have been a handful of players who have died immediately after games or practices due to pre-existing medical conditions, but none who have died as a direct result of football-related injuries.

While it’s impossible to say that no player will ever die on the field, it seems highly unlikely given the advances in medical care and safety equipment over the years.