5 NFL superstars who suffered a career-altering injury in preseason Notifications New User posted their first comment this is comment text Approve Reject & ban Delete Logout

5 NFL superstars who suffered a career-altering injury in preseason

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo The NFL preseason is a formal preparation period for each upcoming season. It features exhibition games, training camps, and team practices. These allow players to learn the playbook and work on team chemistry while warming up for the regular season. The NFL regular season is short, so every game is important, making it crucial to be prepared right out of the gate in Week 1. While the preseason is useful in preparing for the regular season, it also presents a further risk of injury. The NFL is violent, so playing more football sometimes means an increased number of injuries. Teams hope that none of their players get hurt during the preseason, but it seems to happen every year. Here are five serious preseason injuries that changed the course of a player's career.

#5 - Trent Green

St. Louis Rams quarterback Trent Green Trent Green signed a contract with the St. Louis Rams prior to the start of the 1999 NFL season to be their starting quarterback. Disaster struck when he suffered a season-ending knee injury during a preseason game and most thought the Rams' season was essentially over. The then-unknown now-legendary replaced Green, and the rest, as they say, is history. Warner would go on to win two NFL MVP awards and a ring on his way to the Hall of Fame. Green would sign with the Chiefs two years later, where he had a mediocre career, posting a 48-40 record.

#4 - Teddy Bridgewater

Minnesota Vikings QB Teddy Bridgewater Teddy Bridgewater put together a solid rookie year for the Minnesota Vikings during the 2014 NFL season. He then improved even further during his second season, being selected to the while helping the Vikings make the playoffs. In 2017, QB Teddy Bridgewater came in for Case Keenum to complete his comeback from a horrific knee injury while playing for the

Tonight, the duo faces off as the take on the

In 2017, QB Teddy Bridgewater came in for Case Keenum to complete his comeback from a horrific knee injury while playing for the Tonight, the duo faces off as the take on the Bridgewater appeared to be well on his way to becoming a great quarterback, but he suffered a devastating knee injury prior to the start of the 2016 season. He missed the entire year and has never really been the same since as his upward trajectory was halted. He's recorded just a 16-19 career record since then and has never reached another Pro Bowl.

#3 - Tony Romo

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo Tony Romo is one of the greatest quarterbacks in history. In nine seasons as the starting quarterback, he was selected to four Pro Bowls and eclipsed 4,000 passing yards five times. He finished in third place in the MVP voting for the 2014 season before an injury ended his 2015 season early. Romo recovered from the injury and was looking forward to another year prior to the 2016 season before a back injury during the preseason knocked him out once again. Rookie Dak Prescott took over as the starting quarterback and never looked back, leading the Cowboys to the playoffs after a 13-3 season. When Romo was healthy, kept the job, and Romo decided to retire a little early.

#2 - Chris Spielman

Detroit Lions LB Chris Spielman Chris Spielman was once one of the best linebackers in the NFL. During his first seven seasons with the Detroit Lions, he was selected to four Pro Bowls and chosen for three All-Pro teams. He remained healthy during his first nine seasons in the league, missing only four total games in nearly a decade. Disaster struck for Spielman prior to the start of the 1997 NFL season, his 10th in the league. He suffered a frightening neck injury following a helmet-to-helmet hit during a preseason game that left him paralyzed on the field for several minutes. He incredibly walked off under his own power and returned to the field later that season, but it would be his final year after learning he would require spinal surgery.

#1 - Darryl Stingley

Darryl Stingley Image Credit: The Score Darryl Stingley tragically suffered one of the worst injuries in NFL history. His career as a wide receiver was on the rise with the New England Patriots, until a brutal hit immediately ended his career and changed his entire life. 42 years ago today, Raiders S Jack Tatum delivered “The Hit” that left Patriots WR Darryl Stingley in a wheelchair for life. He never apologized, despite writing 3 books referencing him being an NFL assassin in the title and even having his own leg amputated. He died in 201042 years ago today, Raiders S Jack Tatum delivered “The Hit” that left Patriots WR Darryl Stingley in a wheelchair for life. He never apologized, despite writing 3 books referencing him being an NFL assassin in the title and even having his own leg amputated. He died in 2010 During a preseason game against the Oakland Raiders prior to the 1978 NFL season, Stingley took a vicious hit from Jack Tatum while running a route across the middle of the field. He lived the rest of his life as a quadriplegic, being paralyzed in all four limbs. The hit was legal at the time, but served as a catalyst for rule changes focused on player safety. Poll : 0 votes Quick Links More from Sportskeeda Thank You! Show More Comments No thanks Delete Cancel Update Reply ❮ ❯ No thanks Delete Cancel Update Reply ❮ ❯ Be the first one to comment on this story More from Sportskeeda Fetching more content... 1 Logout No Results Found