Yes, it has happened before – an NFL player has indeed died from a hit. It was in 2011, a tragedy that shook the sports world and left an entire team and fan base in mourning. I remember when I heard about it, I just couldn’t believe it, I couldn’t comprehend how something so violent could happen to an innocent player who just wanted to make a living and play a game he loved. It’s so sad.
His name was Dave Duerson, and he played for the Chicago Bears. A former Pro Bowler, he was known as a hard-hitting safety. But unfortunately, on a fateful day in February of 2011, Dave died due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the age of 50. His family believes that the devastating effects of various head injuries and collisions while he was playing in the NFL resulted in him committing suicide.
So, this is one example of a professional football player dying from a hit. And it’s not just this one incident, there have been several other football deaths since then. For instance, in 2015, another Chicago Bears player, Adrian Robinson, passed away in his home after sustaining several head injuries. There are other players who have suffered from various brain diseases due to the physicality of the game.
It’s heartbreaking to think about, and many people have argued that a lot more serious safety protocols and taping rules should be enforced in order to prevent future tragedies. Sadly, it’s too late for those who have already passed away and their families, but it’s much better than risking any more player’s lives.
No one wants to see a player die from a hit – it’s tragic and it’s sad, but there’s clearly something much deeper that needs to be done to prevent this from happening again. It’s essential that football teams are provided with the best players and coaches to ensure that all players are under the strictest safety regulations. The NFL should ensure that all of their players are cared for and trained properly, so that this kind of tragedy doesn’t happen again.
The tragedy of Dave Duerson’s death is a harsh reminder of just how many cards do you get in nfl gameday dangerous the sport can be. But at the same time, it’s essential that we learn from his story and never let another NFL player succumb to a similar fate. It’s an incredibly difficult task, but if everyone involved with the sport, from the players to the fans, takes their part seriously, then there is a chance of preventing any more tragedies.
I am sure if proper safety protocols and education was provided, the number of deaths from hits would decrease drastically. It’s essential that safety protocols are enforced, and that all players and staff are aware of them. There is no easy solution, but by taking small steps we can work towards making sure that no other nfl photographer salary player ever dies from a hit.