5 NFL players who almost died on the field ft. Ryan Shazier

#3 - Kevin Everett

Buffalo Bills TE Kevin Everett

Kevin Everett was selected in the third round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills. He suited up for all 16 games of the 2016 season as a tight end and a contributor to the Bills special teams unit. He appeared to have carved out a solid role for himself with the team until disaster struck during the first game of the following season.

Everett suffered a major neck and spinal cord injury while attempting to make a tackle during a special teams play while in pursuit of the opposing kick returner. He was left completely motionless on the field and was rushed to the hospital for emergency cervical spine surgery. He never played another game, but miraculously overcame the paralysis and was eventually able to walk again.

#4 - Ryan Shazier

Pittsburgh Steelers LB Ryan Shazier

Linebackers have long been an iconic position for the Pittsburgh Steelers franchise, who have always been known for their dominant defenses. Ryan Shazier appeared to be on his way to joining the long list of greats at the position for the Steelers. He was selected to consecutive Pro Bowls before a devastating injury suddenly ended his career.

Shazier was left partially paralyzed on the field after a brutal head-on collision during the 2017 NFL season. He would never play in another game and was told he would probably never walk again, but he proved that theory wrong by doing so after several surgeries and a determined recovery program.

#5 - Reggie Brown

Detroit Lions #59 Reggie Brown

Reggie Brown spent both years of his NFL career with the Detroit Lions. He developed into a productive linebacker, recording 2.5 sacks during his second season while also returning two interceptions for touchdowns.

Brown suffered a terrifying spinal cord injury that left him completely paralyzed on the field while attempting to make a tackle against an opposing rushing play. The paralysis was so serious that he was unable to breathe without assistance, resulting in him receiving CPR on the field.