NFL Preseason Marred by Disturbing Player Injuries

As the 2025 NFL preseason unfolds, a troubling pattern of player injuries has emerged, sparking renewed concerns about the safety of the sport. Just last week, Detroit Lions safety Morice Norris was carted off the field during a preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons, a harrowing sight that evoked memories of similar incidents in recent years.

The most high-profile of these incidents occurred in January 2023, when Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest and had to be resuscitated on the field after a routine tackle during a regular-season game. Hamlin's near-tragic ordeal has since made him an advocate for CPR training and the availability of automatic external defibrillators at sporting events.

The preseason has not been spared from these disturbing events. In August 2023, two consecutive weeks saw games halted due to player collisions. First, the New England Patriots' game against the Green Bay Packers was called off when Patriots cornerback Isaiah Bolden was carted off the field after a collision with a teammate. A week later, a game between the Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars was not completed after Dolphins receiver Daewood Davis was injured in a collision with a Jaguars linebacker.

These incidents have raised serious questions about the safety protocols and medical preparedness in the NFL, as well as the inherent risks of the sport. As the 2025 season approaches, players, coaches, and fans alike will be closely watching to see if the league can address these concerns and ensure the well-being of its athletes.