Former Denver Broncos linebacker Aaron Patrick has reportedly settled his legal case with the NFL after a devastating knee injury in 2022, according to DailyMail.com.
The terms of the settlement remain undisclosed, as it was reached under strict confidentiality.
Details of the Injury Incident and Legal Action
The injury occurred while Patrick was attempting to tackle Los Angeles Chargers punt returner DeAndre Carter.
As Patrick was driven out of bounds, his momentum carried him into an unnamed sideline worker, and the collision was made worse by a narrow black carpet on the field.
Patrick’s left cleat became caught in the carpet during the impact, potentially worsening the knee injury.
Patrick’s agent, Lamont Smith, had previously expressed concern about the carpet’s presence on the sideline, suggesting that it contributed to the incident.
“I was very disturbed about the way the injury occurred with the carpet being on the sideline like that,” Smith told NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero in 2022.
Lawsuit and Allegations of Negligence at SoFi Stadium
In response to the injury, Patrick filed a lawsuit against the NFL and others, claiming negligence in the way SoFi Stadium was managed.
The lawsuit alleged that the placement of three mats near the sideline—used to cover cables for the instant replay monitor—created a dangerous situation.
According to Patrick’s attorney, William Berman, safety concerns at SoFi Stadium were not a priority for the NFL, and the stadium failed to ensure the safety of players.
Similar NFL Injuries and Their Legal Consequences
Patrick’s case adds to a long list of incidents involving injuries caused by unsafe conditions around NFL playing fields.
In 2020, Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram suffered shoulder and collarbone injuries when he collided with a television cart.
In 2015, 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 (who have since moved to Los Angeles) and won $12.45 million in damages.
Financial Impact of the Injury on Patrick’s Career
While injuries like these are common in the NFL, Patrick’s injury was particularly devastating due to his status as an undrafted free agent.
Unlike other players who had made millions, Patrick had an $825,000 salary that wasn’t guaranteed.
With his total career earnings amounting to just $1.2 million before the injury, the setback has had significant financial consequences for the young linebacker, who has remained unsigned since.
A Step Toward the Future for Aaron Patrick
Despite the challenges he has faced following the injury, Patrick is reportedly hopeful about his future in the NFL.
According to his attorney, he is looking forward to an opportunity to continue his career in professional football.