Bear Goggles On
Fansided

Chicago Bears: 4 players who had their careers cut short

By Jack Williams

TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 13: Running back Jeremy Langford #33 of the Chicago Bears is stopped by cornerback Brent Grimes #24 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a carry in the third quarter of an NFL game on November 13, 2016 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 13: Running back Jeremy Langford #33 of the Chicago Bears is stopped by cornerback Brent Grimes #24 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a carry in the third quarter of an NFL game on November 13, 2016 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
Chicago Bears, Johnny Knox
Chicago Bears (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Johnny Knox, WR/Returner

Johnny Knox was many things in the NFL: A blazing fast receiver, a dynamic return man, and a promising young player for the Bears. But none of this matters to just about anybody anymore since the only thing they remember him for is getting folded in half like a piece of paper.

By far and away, this was the most gruesome injury I’ve ever watched live on TV. If you’re too young to remember or unfamiliar with this injury, watch it with caution.

Even though I was young enough to not fully understand football, I was a huge fan of Knox during his time with the Bears. He was an electric player and Chicago had the best dynamic return duo in the league.

I still remember against the Packers when Devin Hester pretended to be catching a punt, leaving Knox wide open on the opposite side of the field to take the actual punt back. This was nullified by a hold that seemingly didn’t exist, but it’s still one of my favorite Bears plays of all time.

Along with this memorable play, Knox had 2,214 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns in just three years with the Bears. He was looking like another great receiver until the injury. This one is more tragic than a missed opportunity, but another young guy who never had the chance to develop in Chicago.

Home/Bears History