Former Denver Broncos linebacker Aaron Patrick has settled with the NFL over a severe knee injury he sustained in 2022.
The details of the settlement remain confidential, but sources have confirmed it is now resolved.
Patrick’s attorney, William Berman, shared with DailyMail.com that the terms are sealed, but he did mention that his client is optimistic about making a return to the NFL.
The Injury Incident
The injury occurred during a game when Patrick was attempting to tackle Los Angeles Chargers punt returner, DeAndre Carter.
As Patrick tried to make the play, his momentum carried him out of bounds, where he collided with a sideline worker.
To make matters worse, a narrow black carpet near the sideline caught Patrick’s left cleat, worsening the situation.
At the time, Patrick’s agent, Lamont Smith, spoke out about the potential role the carpet played in the injury.
In a text message to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Smith expressed concern over how the carpet contributed to the incident.
“His cleat got lodged in the carpet trying to avoid the media person,” Smith said, showing frustration over the dangerous situation.
The Legal Action
In response to the injury, Berman filed a lawsuit in California, accusing those in charge of SoFi Stadium of negligence.
The suit claimed that the dangerous setup, including three mats placed near the sideline to cover cords for the NFL’s instant replay monitor, was a contributing factor to the injury.
Berman also stated in 2022 that the NFL had not prioritized safety at the stadium.
DailyMail.com reached out to an NFL spokesperson for comment, but as of now, there has been no response.
TMZ was the first to report on the settlement.
A History of NFL Injuries
Unfortunately, Patrick’s injury isn’t an isolated case. The NFL has seen a number of injuries caused by hazards around the playing field.
In 2020, Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram injured his shoulder and collarbone when he ran into a television cart during a game.
Similarly, in 2015, former San Francisco 49ers running back Reggie Bush suffered a season-ending knee injury after slipping on slick concrete at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis.
Bush eventually won $12.45 million in damages after suing the Rams, who have since moved to Los Angeles.
Financial Impact on Patrick’s Career
While many of the players involved in similar incidents had already earned significant money in the NFL, Patrick’s situation was different.
As an undrafted free agent, Patrick’s contract had a salary of $825,000, but it wasn’t guaranteed.
Over the course of his short career, including his final season, he earned just $1.2 million.
Since the injury, he has remained unsigned, making his financial and professional future uncertain.
The case highlights not only the physical dangers athletes face but also the financial consequences that injuries can have on players, particularly those at the start of their careers.