Players often suffer from injuries sustained during games or even training but after some recovery time, they get right back on the horse and carry on. However, there are some injuries that they never recover from. These injuries force players to retire from their respective sport, which is no easy task. We took a look back and compiled the worst career ending injuries the world of sports has ever seen.
Eric LeGrand – Rutgers
Eric LeGrand didn’t play professionally, he never got the chance to. LeGrand is a former football defensive tackle who played college football at Rutgers. On October 16, 2010 during a game against the Army Black Knights, LeGrand collided with the ball carrier, Malcolm Brown, which left him motionless on the ground for several minutes before he was carried off, not being able to move his head. LeGrand suffered from a severe spinal cord injury, he tried to force a thumbs up to the crowd as he was being carried off but he was unable to do so. Doctors worked round the clock but it was determined that LeGrand was paralyzed from the neck down.
Eric Legrand – Rutgers
Pat LaFontaine – New York Rangers
This Hockey Hall of Famer is a true legend, not just to his fans but anyone who is a fan of the NHL. For 15 years, LaFontaine became just one of five players in NHL history to skate for all three teams based in the state of New York. However in 1997, LaFontaine sustained a concussion because of a hit by Penguins enforcer Francois Leroux. He was diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome and doctors recommended that he retire. Stubbornly though, LaFontaine believed he could still play so he switched to the Rangers who has had no problem with his playing. He ended up playing one final, very productive, season with the Rangers before he sustained a collision with a teammate resulting in another concussion. He hung his skates up for good after that. And no, LaFontaine never consulted a brain injury attorney, whatever that is.
Pat Lafontaine – New York Rangers
