Darryl Stingly, New England Patriots Wide Receiver
Stingley played football until August 12, 1978, when the 26-year-old receiver went up for a pass during an exhibition game and was hit from behind by Oakland Raiders' safety Jack Tatum
The hit Tatum did in that game stopped being allowed. It broke Stingly’s neck and made him a quadriplegic.
I remember seeing that. The hit that broke Joe Theismann's leg (1985) was the last injury I ever watched on instant replay in any sport (it was that gruesome).
@rinkydinkydoink he wasn't the only one I've heard stories about the youngster's in the 70's and 80's getting out absolutely wore out and watching some more famous driver's get out with a lit smoke or a beer.
I forget the name (might have been trickle) had a rule, he needed I think an hour sleep for every 100 laps/miles. He was out partying and then sleeping about 2-4 hours before a race
