Just like the rest of us, pro athletes are not exempt from the dangers all of us face on a regular basis. This includes car accidents, which is a common occurrence among us all, even athletes. With wealth comes the ability to purchase high-end vehicles… with the horsepower to reach high speeds. Obviously, traveling at excessive speeds isn’t without risks. Because of this, a number of athletes have experienced some serious car crashes.
Sadly, many athletes have tragically died while on the road. For this article, we will concentrate on those who narrowly avoided death. From devastating, career-ending injuries to some humorous occurrences, there’s something for everyone here. Fortunately, some of these pros even managed to walk away without injury.
For someone with money, a car crash may just be an inconvenience, for others, it could be a financial burden. If you are involved in a car accident, you’re almost guaranteed to file a claim or have a claim filed against you. This is when you call car crash injury lawyers in Trenton, NJ or car crash injury lawyers in Jersey City. It all depends on where you live, but a lawyer can point you in the right direction to be compensated or protected if you are at fault.
Chandler Parsons
The former NBA forward has spent time with the Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets, and Dallas Mavericks during his pro career. However, a tragic collision in early 2020 may have prematurely ended his career, after he was struck by a drunk driver.
The crash left Parsons with lasting impairments, including a traumatic brain injury, a herniated disc, and a torn labrum. After falling asleep in the car and causing the three-vehicle crash, police charged the inebriated driver with DUI.
So far, Parsons is not playing in the NBA and likely never will again.
Nick O’Leary
NFL player Nick O’Leary, who has played for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins, nearly lost everything following a motorcycle accident in 2013.
The NFL tight end was in Tallahassee driving on his motorcycle when a Lexus abruptly pulled out in front of him, causing a sudden collision. O’Leary was thrown from his bike and 100 feet down the road. Miraculously, he escaped the accident with just minor cuts and bruises. He’s very lucky, as it could’ve turned out a lot worse.
Jon Jones
Widely considered the best UFC fighter to ever do it, Jon Jones’ immaculate career hasn’t been without a few setbacks. This is mostly due to his out of competition antics. Outside the cage, Jones has a reputation for partying, which has led to some disgraceful moments. One of those is a car crash in 2005.
In Albuquerque, New Mexico, Jones crashed into another vehicle driven by a pregnant woman after he zoomed through a red light. Accidents do happen, but Jones is accused of being impaired by driving, prompting him to flee from the scene on foot. The victim suffered a broken arm. In 2012, Jones crashed his Bentley into a street post while inebriated.
Kendrick Norton
NFL defensive lineman Kendrick Norton experienced one of the worst crashes on this life in 2019 and lost his arm. When he attempted to change lanes with his truck, it collided with another car, spun out of control, and crashed into a concrete barrier.
In the crash, Norton’s arm was entirely severed off, ending his NFL career. He also believes he has lost roughly half of his blood supply. Fortunately, he made it through the crash and is alive today. Despite the injury derailing his career, he’s still being paid by the Miami Dolphins.
Michail Antonio
Soccer star Michail Antonio’s crash isn’t the most dangerous, but it sure is absurd. He’s a standout in soccer, being one of the fastest. However, he doesn’t seem to slow down when he’s not playing, which resulted in some Christmas Day problems back in 2019.
Antonio was driving a Lamborghini Huracan to a Christmas party in London when he lost control. It slammed into a garden and into a shed. Hilariously, Antonio emerged from the wrecked automobile dressed as a snowman. Happy Holidays!
Dennis Rodman
Dennis Rodman’s erratic conduct isn’t a secret. The former NBA superstar is known for his wild parties and unique fashion sense. Despite being so wild, he was one of the greatest players to ever step foot on the court and helped many teams win championships. It’s no surprise he’s been involved in a car crash on this life.
While driving on the highway, Rod’s SUV tire blew out, causing it to flip and roll over many times. He miraculously walked away with just a cut on his finger.
