10 careers that were ended by horror tackles

Ben Collett’s horrific-premature retirement

Career ended: Ben Collett

Age of retirement:18

When: May 2003

What: Double leg break

Ben Collett was a prodigy of sorts to join the Manchester United at just the age of 9. His career came to a very premature halt when he was challenged by Middlesbrough’s Gary Smith. Although he tried hard to return in 2004, the damage was done and he was forced to retire early. As the case reached the High-Court in 2008, both Gary Smith and Middlesbrough admitted liability to award Ben £4.5 million for loss of earnings.

Ben Collett court case