A Devastating Setback for an Undrafted Free Agent
Aaron Patrick, a linebacker for the Denver Broncos, has reached a confidential settlement with the National Football League (NFL) over a catastrophic knee injury he sustained in 2022. The settlement’s terms remain undisclosed, but Patrick’s lawyer, William Berman, confirmed the resolution to DailyMail.com. "The case settled under terms of strict confidentiality," Berman stated via email. "All I can say is that my client is looking forward toward an opportunity to return to a career in the NFL." This settlement marks a significant step forward for Patrick, whose career was abruptly halted by an injury that could have had far-reaching financial and professional consequences.
The Incident: A Confluence of Circumstances
The injury occurred during a game between the Denver Broncos and the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Patrick, attempting to tackle Chargers punt returner DeAndre Carter, was carried out of bounds by his momentum and collided with an unidentified sideline worker. Compounding the severity of the incident, a narrow black carpet on the sideline caught Patrick’s left cleat during the collision. This unfortunate sequence of events resulted in a season-ending knee injury. Patrick’s agent, Lamont Smith, expressed his concern over the conditions that led to the injury: "I was very disturbed about the way the injury occurred with the carpet being on the sideline like that. His cleat got lodged in the carpet trying to avoid the media person."
The Legal Battle and Settlement
Berman filed a lawsuit in California, alleging that the defendants were negligent in their operation of SoFi Stadium. The suit claimed that the presence of three mats near the sideline, intended to cover cords and cables for the NFL’s instant replay monitor, created a hazardous condition. Berman further argued that safety at SoFi Stadium was not a priority for the NFL. Despite the confidentiality of the settlement, the resolution suggests that the league acknowledged some level of responsibility for the unsafe conditions that contributed to Patrick’s injury. DailyMail.com has reached out to an NFL spokesman for comment, but as of now, the organization has not provided a statement. TMZ was the first to report the settlement, highlighting the growing awareness of the risks associated with NFL playing environments.
A History of Sideline Hazards
This incident is not an isolated case. The NFL has seen several instances where players have been injured due to unsafe playing conditions around the sidelines. In 2020, Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram suffered a shoulder and collarbone injury when he collided with a television cart. Similarly, in 2015, then-San Francisco 49ers running back Reggie Bush sustained a season-ending knee injury after slipping on slick concrete at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis. Bush subsequently sued the Rams, who had moved from St. Louis to Los Angeles, and was awarded $12.45 million in damages. These cases underscore the importance of maintaining safe playing environments and the potential financial and career repercussions for players when such conditions are not met.
The Financial Impact on Aaron Patrick
While the injuries suffered by players like Abram and Bush had significant financial implications, the impact on Aaron Patrick may have been even more devastating. Unlike these established players, who had already amassed substantial NFL earnings, Patrick was an undrafted free agent whose $825,000 salary was not guaranteed. Including his final season, Patrick’s total NFL earnings amounted to just $1.2 million. The injury not only cut short his season but has also left him unsigned since the incident. The financial strain of such a career setback can be overwhelming, especially for a player at the early stages of his professional journey.
Looking Forward: Hope and Determination
Despite the challenges, Aaron Patrick remains determined to return to the NFL. The settlement, while confidential, offers a glimmer of hope for his future in the league. As Berman noted, Patrick is "looking forward toward an opportunity to return to a career in the NFL." This optimistic outlook is a testament to the player’s resilience and dedication. The NFL and its teams will need to continue to address and improve safety measures to prevent similar incidents, ensuring that players like Patrick can pursue their dreams without facing undue risk. The settlement represents a step in the right direction, but the broader issue of player safety remains a critical concern for the league and its athletes.
