5 Scariest on-field moments in NFL history feat. Damar Hamlin, Ryan Shazier

The NFL is one of the most popular sports in the entire world. While its entertainment value is basically unmatched, it's also one of the most violent games ever created. The NFL features some of the most physically-gifted athletes on the planet colliding with each other at full speed. It should come as no surprise at all that so many serious injuries have occurred in the league's history.

While every injury includes a cause for concern, a few in NFL history have been absolutely terrifying. Their magnitude has risen to life-threatening levels, reminding viewers of the intensely dangerous game being played. Here are five of the most frightening situations that have occurred on the football field.

#1 - Darryl Stingley

Darryl Stingley | Image Credit: The Score

Darryl Stingley was the unfortunate victim of a play simply known as "The Hit" in NFL history. The New England Patriots wide receiver was running a crossing route against the Oakland Raiders in a preseason game when he was viciously leveled by Jack Tatum.

While the hit was extremely violent, it was a legal tackle at the time. It would have been a major penalty in the modern game. Stingley was left paralyzed on the field and was forced to live the rest of his life as a quadriplegic. He targically passed away at just 55 years old.

#2 - Damar Hamlin

Buffalo Bills DB Damar Hamlin

Damar Hamlin made what appeared to be a routine tackle against Tee Higgins when the Buffalo Bills faced off against the Cincinnati Bengals. Moments after the play, he suddenly collapsed and went into cardiac arrest. Medical staff rushed to the field to perform CPR and use an AED before taking him straight to the hospital.

Hamlin remains in critical condition as of Week 17 of the 2022 NFL season. His vitals have reportedly been stabilized, but he remains sedated as NFL fans across the world pray for his recovery.

#3 - Kevin Everett

Buffalo Bills TE Kevin Everett

Kevin Everett suffered a major injury to his neck and spinal cord during the Buffalo Bills' first game of the 2007 NFL season against the Denver Broncos. He was attempting to make a tackle on a special teams play, but was left completely motionless on the field.

Everett was immediately rushed to the hospital after being stretchered off the field. Upon his arrival, the medical staff performed emergency cervical spine surgery. He was left paralyzed and was told he would never be able to use his legs again. He beat the odds and bravely overcame it, miraculously learning to walk.

#4 - Ryan Shazier

Pittsburgh Steelers LB Ryan Shazier

Ryan Shazier was involved in a head-on collision against the Cincinnati Bengals during the 2017 NFL season while attempting to make a tackle. His body immediately shut down upon impact, leaving him paralyzed face-down on the field.

The frightening scene resulted in Shazier being hospitalized. Following multiple surgeries, he was told he would likely never walk again and would spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair, at best. He conquered the diagnosis by walking a year later, while running and working out just two years following the incident.

#5 - Reggie Brown

Detroit Lions #59 Reggie Brown

Reggie Brown was the victim of a life-threatening situation during an NFL game where he very nearly died. The Detroit Lions linebacker was left completely paralyzed on the field following an attempt to make a tackle against the Green Bay Packers.

Medical staff quickly recognized that the paralysis was so serious that Brown was unable to breathe under his own power. They immediately sprung into action by performing CPR and assisting him to the point where they were breathing for him. If not for the swift response, the collision may have taken his life.