I Can't Watch: NFL's 10 Most Horrific Injuries of All Time

Players in the NFL push their bodies to the limit every Sunday to perform at the highest level.

Every now and then, the players' bodies succumb to the awkward positions they are placed in which result in gruesome, hard-to-watch injuries.

Every fan hates to see these players go down with career-threatening ailments.

However, thanks to increased camera coverage, fans get an up-close, slow-motion look at the most breathtaking of injuries.

Why? The fans enjoy watching it.

Unless you are queasy. In that case, refrain from watching the following videos.

Here are the top 10 most horrific NFL injuries of all time.



 

E.J. Henderson, Minnesota Vikings

Not only did E.J. Henderson's teammate miss the tackle because of poor technique, but also, his momentum carried him right into the leg of Henderson, causing a severe leg injury.

The good news? Henderson recovered and is playing linebacker for the Vikings today. By the looks of this injury, that is welcome news.  

Leon Washington, New York Jets

It has to be a helpless feeling when your leg is trapped under hundreds of pounds, realizing in that split-second that the result is not going to be good.

The surprise? That this does not happen more often, considering this was a routine run up the middle.

And for that, we are thankful.

 

Joe Theismann, Washington Redskins

Now, for perhaps the most famous horrific injury of all time.

Lawrence Taylor's hit on quarterback Joe Theismann.

Note the reaction of the other players. It says it all. 

Napoleon McCallum, Oakland Raiders

A human leg can only stand so much weight.

What happens when the combined weight of a linebacker and defensive lineman all rest on one, awkwardly positioned leg?

Well, see for yourself.  

Wes Welker, New England Patriots

Then again, sometimes severe injuries occur when there is little to no contact at all.

Watch as Wes Welker makes one cut, and his left leg gives way under the weight shift.

Oh, and the injury occurred in Week 17, right before the playoffs. 

Leonard Weaver, Philadelphia Eagles

Leonard Weaver's injury is tough to watch for two reasons.

First, because it is yet another vicious leg injury.

Second, because it takes a painfully long time to occur. Weaver probably wishes he had been tackled more quickly, to put him out of misery on that particular play.  

Tim Krumrie, Cincinnati Bengals

Not only was this a gruesome injury to watch, but it was also a devastating blow to the hopes of the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl XXIII. 

 

Charles Gordon, Minnesota Vikings

Yet another example of a leg getting rolled up on, resulting in a gruesome ankle injury for punt returner Charles Gordon.

 

Eric Wood, Buffalo Bills

Linemen have the unfortunate responsibility of creating space for play makers while receiving little to no fame in return.  

Also, their knees are put in positions like this. 

Ronnie Lott, San Francisco 49ers

The play itself is not gruesome to watch. However, the man cut his finger off just to get back in the game after hurting it on this play.

Does that make him deserving of being on the list?

Yes, it does. 

Note: The play begins at 1:52 on the video.