Reggie Brown – Detroit Lions
Former American football linebacker in the NFL, Reggie Brown was 17th overall draft pick by the Detroit Lions in 1996. However, he had a very short career, just playing 32 games in the 1996 and 1997 seasons. Brown’s final game was the result of a tackle from New York Jets halfback Adrian Murrell. The tackle sustained caused Brown to remain motionless for 17 long minutes on the turf of the Pontiac Silverdome. Brown suffered a spinal cord contusion and ended up in a wheelchair from that moment on.
Reggie Brown – Detroit Lions
Kevin Everett – Buffalo Bills
After just two seasons with the Buffalo Bills, former tight end Kevin Everett’s NFL career ended tragically. Early on of the 07-08 season, Everett sustained a spinal cord injury trying to bring down the Broncos kickoff returner Domenik Hixon. He suffered from a fracture and dislocation of his cervical spine that doctors characterized as “life-threatening” the day after the injury. Doctors when on to say that it was likely the injury left him with permanent neurological impairment, however, just two days later, he gained some feeling and power back in his legs. With hard work and great physiotherapy, Everett walked in public for the first time at the Ralph Wilson Stadium before the home finale against the New York Giants on December 23, 2007. This was only three months after doctors said his chances of walking again were slim to none.
Kevin Everett – Buffalo Bills
