5 NFL superstars whose careers were cut short due to horrible injuriesÂ
NFL players can rise to legendary status for many different reasons. Some players solidify their legacies by recording elite production for an extended period of time. They take advantage of each new season and seize the opportunity to remain top performers each year. Those that remain at the top long enough will almost always become legends of the game.
Longevity isn't the only factor for players who have cemented their names in NFL history. Some have made their mark on a breakout season, a single game, or even one isolated play. There have also been those who quickly elevated their game to an elite level, only to have their careers cut short.
The NFL is an extremely physical sport and its players are vulnerable to injuries. Many are able to fully recover from injuries and continue their careers, but sometimes a major one can completely derail a career. Here are five NFL superstars who suffered a catastrophic injury that they were never able to recover from.
#5 - Priest Holmes
During a three-year stretch between the 2001 and 2003 NFL seasons, Priest Holmes was one of the best players in the entire league. He was selected as a first-team All-Pro for three consecutive seasons while leading the league in total yards and total touchdowns twice each.
Holmes was off to another dominant start to the 2004 season, recording 1,079 yards in seven games before a neck injury ended his year early. He returned the following year before damaging his spinal column. He appeared in just four more games for the remainder of his career.
#4 - Joe Theismann
Joe Theismann was a late bloomer in his career, but really got things going in year nine when he turned in his best three seasons consecutively. During that stretch, he won an NFL MVP award and a Super Bowl ring.
Today in sports history November 18, 1985. Joe Theismann suffered one of the ugliest injuries in sports history against on a tackle by Lawerence Taylor
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Theismann really appears to have found his game before one of the most gruesome injuries in history ended his career. He suffered a complete compound fracture of his tibia and his fibula while being sacked by Lawrence Taylor.