Aaron Patrick, a former linebacker for the Denver Broncos, has reached an undisclosed settlement with the NFL over a serious knee injury he sustained in 2022.
The agreement, which was made under strict confidentiality, marks a significant development in Patrick’s legal battle with the league.
Injury During a Game and Its Aftermath
The incident occurred while Patrick was attempting to tackle DeAndre Carter, the Chargers’ punt returner, during a game.
Patrick’s momentum carried him out of bounds, where he collided with a sideline worker.
To make matters worse, his left cleat became caught in a narrow black carpet that had been placed on the sidelines, adding to the severity of the situation.
Patrick’s agent, Lamont Smith, later revealed that the carpet may have played a role in the injury, saying it was “disturbing” that the carpet had been left in that area.
According to Smith, Patrick’s cleat got lodged in the carpet as he tried to avoid a media member standing on the sidelines.
The Legal Claim Against SoFi Stadium
Patrick filed a lawsuit in California, accusing the NFL and its partners of negligence for allowing a dangerous condition to exist at SoFi Stadium.
The legal claim stated that three mats had been placed near the sideline to cover cords and cables for the NFL’s instant replay monitor.
Patrick’s attorney, William Berman, had previously criticized the NFL for not prioritizing player safety at the stadium.
While the settlement details remain confidential, Berman expressed that his client is hopeful for a chance to return to the NFL despite the setbacks caused by the injury.
Other NFL Injuries Due to Sideline Hazards
Patrick’s case is not the first time an NFL player has been injured due to hazards on the sidelines.
In 2020, Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram suffered a shoulder and collarbone injury after running into a television cart during a game.
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 the Rams, winning a $12.45 million settlement for the injury.
However, Patrick’s injury had a potentially far greater financial impact.
As an undrafted free agent, Patrick’s salary was not guaranteed, and he earned just $1.2 million during his brief NFL career.
Since the injury, he has remained unsigned and has been unable to continue his professional football journey.