The 10 Scariest Moments in NFL History
The NFL is a sport known for its intensity, athleticism, and brutal physicality. But beyond the touchdowns and game-winning plays, there have been moments in history that left fans holding their breath, wondering if the worst possible outcome was about to unfold. Here are the 10 scariest and most unforgettable moments in NFL history.
10. Sean Rogers’ Miami Vacation Gone Wrong (2013)
It was March 2013, a time most NFL players were enjoying their offseason and relaxing. But 25-year-old defensive tackle Sean Rogers wasn’t enjoying the usual break. While vacationing in Miami, he became an unexpected victim of a break-in. A thief stole over $400,000 worth of jewelry from Rogers’ hotel room, including a $50,000 gold necklace, $60,000 in gold bracelets, and $100,000 diamond earrings. Rogers went from living like a star to feeling like a victim of a terrifying crime.
However, if you think that’s scary, just wait—this list only gets more intense.
9. Super Bowl Power Outage (2013)
Super Bowl XLVII between the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers was an unforgettable game, but not just for the on-field action. After Jacoby Jones scored a 106-yard kickoff return touchdown, putting the Ravens up 28-6, something completely unexpected happened—a massive power outage struck the stadium. For 34 minutes, half the lights went out, elevators and escalators lost power, and credit card machines stopped working. The delay seemed almost like an omen, a surreal break in one of the biggest games in football. Fans sat in stunned silence, wondering if the Ravens’ momentum would be lost forever. Luckily for them, they held on to win, but the power outage remains one of the most bizarre moments in NFL history.
8. Ronnie Lott’s Finger Decision (1986)
In Week 17 of the 1986 season, San Francisco 49ers’ Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott found himself in an unimaginable position: after breaking his pinky finger, Lott had a choice—either sit out the rest of the playoffs and let the finger heal or amputate the finger and continue playing. Lott chose to have his pinky finger amputated, just so he could keep playing. That’s some next-level toughness. His decision was one of the most brutal and incredible displays of dedication in NFL history.
7. Dwayne Haskins’ Tragic Passing (2022)
April 9, 2022, marked a tragic and heart-wrenching moment for the NFL. Former Washington Commanders quarterback Dwayne Haskins was fatally struck by a dump truck while trying to cross Interstate 595 near Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Haskins, only 24 years old, had been in Miami for a workout with his teammates. His unexpected and devastating death left the entire football world in shock, and his legacy is remembered with great fondness by his friends, family, and teammates.
6. Mike White’s Rib Injury Scare (2022)
Jets quarterback Mike White became a sensation during the 2022 season, but it wasn’t just his playing ability that captured headlines. In a game against the Minnesota Vikings, White left the field twice due to injured ribs, only to return each time, showing tremendous resilience. However, things took a scary turn the following week when doctors refused to clear him to play due to the severity of his injuries. White ended up playing with five broken ribs, a terrifying thought for any player, and a risk that could have ended his career—or worse.
5. Pierre-Paul’s Fireworks Accident (2015)
It was July 4th, 2015, a day for fireworks and celebration. But for New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, the holiday would become a nightmare. After spending more than $100,000 on fireworks, Pierre-Paul found himself in a dangerous situation when a fireworks explosion severely injured his hand. The force of the blast left him with a completely mangled hand, leading to the loss of fingers and permanent damage. His near-death experience and subsequent struggle to return to the field were a grim reminder of the dangers that can arise off the field, even when a player isn’t in the middle of a game.
4. Giants vs. Chargers Snowball Incident (2017)
The final game of the 2017 season saw the New York Giants facing the Los Angeles Chargers in a snowy, cold stadium. The game was already a tough one for the Giants, but things got even worse when hundreds, if not thousands, of snowballs began being thrown onto the field by angry fans. One snowball struck the Chargers’ equipment manager in the left eye, knocking him unconscious. While snowball fights might seem innocent enough, this incident was a dangerous reminder that even a seemingly harmless act could have serious consequences in the world of sports.
3. DeAndre Baker’s Armed Robbery Arrest (2020)
DeAndre Baker’s NFL career took a dramatic and shocking turn when he was arrested in 2020 for his involvement in an armed robbery at a cookout. Baker, a first-round pick for the New York Giants, reportedly pulled a gun and stole $800 in cash, 18K Rolex watches, and a 25K Hublot watch from four men. The incident stunned the football world and derailed what seemed to be a promising career. Baker’s actions resulted in a huge downfall, and he faced significant legal consequences for his reckless behavior.
2. Brian Robinson’s Miraculous Recovery (2022)
Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson became a symbol of hope and perseverance after an incredibly frightening incident in August 2022. Robinson was carjacked and shot twice in the right hip and knee by two teenage assailants. Despite being critically injured, Robinson underwent successful surgery and defied the odds by recovering quickly. Just a few months later, Robinson was back on the field, rushing for over 800 yards as a rookie. His miraculous recovery from what could have been a career-ending (or life-ending) event was a testament to his strength and determination.
1. Damar Hamlin’s Cardiac Arrest (2022)
The scariest moment in recent NFL history came during Week 17 of the 2022 season, when Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field after suffering a cardiac arrest. During a Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Hamlin made a routine tackle on wide receiver Tee Higgins and suddenly dropped to the ground, unresponsive. The medical staff rushed to perform CPR on Hamlin, while an ambulance quickly arrived to transport him to the hospital. Fans, players, and millions watching from home were left in disbelief as Hamlin’s condition became a matter of life and death. The incident put football on hold, as the game was postponed and everyone’s thoughts turned to Hamlin’s survival. Miraculously, he recovered and has since made an inspiring comeback. His story remains one of hope and resilience, but the image of a young athlete fighting for his life will forever be etched in the memories of those who witnessed it.
These are just some of the scariest and most shocking moments in NFL history—instances where players’ lives were in jeopardy, and the game took a backseat to the health and well-being of the individuals involved. While football is often celebrated for its toughness and heroics, these events remind us all of the vulnerability and human side of the sport.
