NFL players that had career ending injuries ft. Kevin Everett, Bo Jackson and more

Injuries are a part of the game, but they can ruin careers. Throughout the NFL's history, many promising prospects and stars have had their careers cut short due to injuries, exemplifying the "What If?" element of sports history. Kevin EverettOn September 9, 2007, Kevin Everett's playing career came to an end when he sustained a fracture and dislocation of his cervical spine that his doctors characterized as "life-threatening" the day after the injury, and stated it is likely to leave him with permanent neurological impairment. However, on September 11, 2007, Everett showed significant movement in his arms and legs, which led doctors to speculate that he might eventually be able to walk again.[4] Indeed, Everett walked in public for the first time at Ralph Wilson Stadium before the home finale against the New York Giants on December 23, 2007. Also Read: Ranking top NFL quarterbacks of 2024 ft. Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson and moreBo JacksonBo Jackson, an All-Star left fielder, suffered a hip injury at 28 years old during a 1990 playoff win over Cincinnati. Despite running for 77 yards on six carries, Jackson never played again. His highlights include three 88-yard touchdown runs, a 5.4 yards-per-carry average, and eight 100-yard games in 23 starts. The "What if" questions remain, as his alter-ego as an All-Star left fielder hindered his career.Sterling SharpeSterling Sharpe, an All-Pro wide receiver, led the NFL in catches in his second season and repeated this in 1992 and 1993. He also accumulated over 1,400 yards receiving, twice leading the league in touchdowns, and 11 catches, 229 yards, and four scores in his playoff games. However, a neck injury in 1994 sidelined him for the postseason, and doctors never cleared him to play again. Terrell DavisTerrell Davis, the AFC's best runner in his day, was cut short by a knee injury 25 years after Gale Sayers's remarkable career. After a 2,000-yard, 21-touchdown MVP year in 1998, Davis tore his ACL and MCL in an early season loss, missing all of 1999. More knee problems sidelined him for most of the next two seasons, and he retired after 2001. It's uncertain if Davis will ever be awarded a bust and ugly yellow jacket in Canton, Ohio.Steve EmtmanSteve Emtman, the first overall pick in the 1992 NFL Draft, showed some brilliance during his first season, recording three sacks and a touchdown. However, he tore his knee and was out for the rest of his rookie year. He tore his other knee five games into the next season. After a surprising return in the middle of the 1994 season, he ruptured a neck disc and never played for the Colts again. Emtman rebounded with Miami but the pain was too severe, and he retired in 1998.Also Read: “Xandra is a great friend of mine”: Ex-Patriots WR Danny Amendola responds to dating rumors with SI model Xandra Pohl