Paralyzed NFL Player Darryl Stingley Dies
Former New England Patriot receiver Darryl Stingley, who was paralyzed during a 1978 exhibition game, has died. He was 55.
Stingley was pronounced dead at Northwestern Memorial Hospital Thursday morning after he was found unresponsive in his home, according to Tony Brucci an investigator with the Cook County medical examiner's office.
An autopsy was scheduled for Thursday. His cause of death was not immediately available.
On Aug. 12, 1978, the then-26-year-old receiver went up for a pass during an exhibition game and was hit hard from behind by Oakland Raiders safety Jack Tatum. The hit broke his neck and left Stingley a quadriplegic for life.
"The best thing that resulted is that the game changed in terms of officiating and what they call excessive violence," Stingley told the Chicago Tribune in 2004. "It has opened the game up to allow receivers to get downfield. And it has made the game more exciting."
Stingley said he was buoyed by the support of fans and friends.
"I was at my peak at that time ... You have to try to find a rhyme or reason when things like that happen," he said in the 2004 interview. "It took me a while to exorcise all the demons."
He refused several opportunities to meet or appear with Tatum, including a special HBO attempted to put together for the accident's 25th anniversary.
"It seems like every time we get to that point, there is something on his side where he is trying to capitalize from it," he told the newspaper. "I'm not available to help people sell books."
Stingley was born and raised in Chicago. He was a star running back at John Marshall High School. He attended Purdue on a football scholarship.
In 1973, he was a first-round draft pick of the Patriots, currently owned by Robert Kraft.
"On behalf of the Kraft family and the entire Patriots organization, we're deeply saddened by news of Darryl Stingley's death, and our thoughts and prayers are with the Stingley family at this time," said team spokesman Stacey James.
© 2011 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Stingley was pronounced dead at Northwestern Memorial Hospital Thursday morning after he was found unresponsive in his home, according to Tony Brucci an investigator with the Cook County medical examiner's office.
An autopsy was scheduled for Thursday. His cause of death was not immediately available.
On Aug. 12, 1978, the then-26-year-old receiver went up for a pass during an exhibition game and was hit hard from behind by Oakland Raiders safety Jack Tatum. The hit broke his neck and left Stingley a quadriplegic for life.
"The best thing that resulted is that the game changed in terms of officiating and what they call excessive violence," Stingley told the Chicago Tribune in 2004. "It has opened the game up to allow receivers to get downfield. And it has made the game more exciting."
Stingley said he was buoyed by the support of fans and friends.
"I was at my peak at that time ... You have to try to find a rhyme or reason when things like that happen," he said in the 2004 interview. "It took me a while to exorcise all the demons."
He refused several opportunities to meet or appear with Tatum, including a special HBO attempted to put together for the accident's 25th anniversary.
"It seems like every time we get to that point, there is something on his side where he is trying to capitalize from it," he told the newspaper. "I'm not available to help people sell books."
Stingley was born and raised in Chicago. He was a star running back at John Marshall High School. He attended Purdue on a football scholarship.
In 1973, he was a first-round draft pick of the Patriots, currently owned by Robert Kraft.
"On behalf of the Kraft family and the entire Patriots organization, we're deeply saddened by news of Darryl Stingley's death, and our thoughts and prayers are with the Stingley family at this time," said team spokesman Stacey James.
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I agree with the mom of a quad... I would so much like to know more of what he did with his life between the injury and the day he died.
He had many years and it seems to me that as he was perfectly capable of granting interviews in 2004 that he made the most of what he had.
I would love to hear all of the positive.
I am the mother of a paraplegic who is walking 17 years out - but of course still has many issues. So many times the doctors said "Do not give false hope..."
Hope is never false... Hope is what keeps the world going and I do not believe in ever giving up hope.
I hope there is someone who was close to him that can tell his story... I would really be inspired to read it (not the guy who caused it - as his life was not changed in any way the way Darryl's was...
It's sad as the mother of a quad that-although they may live for twice the number of years from their injury, the obit will only mention what happened before they were hurt. To live and flourish after an injury that kills most of your body, and depend on others for the rest of your life takes great spirit and strength. God bless Darryl for his years after the injury! That is what took courage!
Posted by idmothe
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BRAVO! Such wise words. THANK YOU for that.
Fortunately, Darryl is not only able to walk but he's dancing in Heaven. We'll miss you Darryl!!! Rest well!!
Well CHEER UP Mr. Tatum, the "cha-ching cha-ching" from the sale of another book exploiting your cheesy reputation and the injuries you've caused is no doubt right around the corner. I'm sure you'll be hawking autographs for cash soon too. Your day is coming JT...I hope you're not blindsided by it - although that is your preferred method of delivery - isn't it?!