The journey back to the NFL is never easy after a serious injury, and former Denver Broncos linebacker Aaron Patrick knows that better than most.
After suffering a devastating knee injury in 2022, Patrick has now reached a confidential settlement with the NFL.
Confidential Agreement Finalized
Patrick’s attorney, William Berman, shared little about the specifics of the settlement, stating only that it was reached under “strict confidentiality.”
However, he did reveal that Patrick remains hopeful about making a return to professional football.
A Sideline Mishap with Costly Consequences
The injury occurred during a game against the Los Angeles Chargers when Patrick was in pursuit of punt returner DeAndre Carter.
His momentum carried him out of bounds, where he collided with a sideline worker.
A seemingly minor detail—a narrow black carpet covering cables—played a significant role in the incident.
Patrick’s cleat got caught in the material, leading to the severe knee injury that ended his season.
Concerns Over Sideline Safety
At the time, Patrick’s agent, Lamont Smith, expressed his frustration about the conditions that contributed to the injury.
In a message to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Smith stated that the presence of the carpet was troubling, emphasizing that Patrick was merely trying to avoid colliding with media personnel when his cleat got stuck.
The lawsuit, filed in California by Berman, accused the NFL and SoFi Stadium officials of negligence for allowing hazardous conditions on the sideline.
Specifically, it highlighted the placement of mats covering cables for the NFL’s instant replay monitor, claiming they created a dangerous situation for players.
Ongoing Safety Concerns in the NFL
Patrick’s injury is far from an isolated case. The physical hazards surrounding NFL fields have led to multiple player injuries over the years.
In 2020, Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram suffered shoulder and collarbone injuries after crashing into a television cart.
Similarly, in 2015, former San Francisco 49ers running back Reggie Bush slipped on slick concrete at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, leading to a season-ending knee injury.
Bush later sued and was awarded $12.45 million in damages.
A Tough Financial Reality
Unlike many injured players who had already secured lucrative contracts, Patrick was an undrafted free agent with no financial guarantees.
His $825,000 salary was not protected, and despite earning a total of just $1.2 million in his career, he has remained unsigned since his injury.
What’s Next for Patrick?
While the settlement provides some closure, Patrick’s future remains uncertain.
With his NFL career still in limbo, the linebacker will have to work hard to regain his place in the league.
Whether he makes a comeback or transitions into a new chapter, his case has once again put a spotlight on player safety concerns in professional football.