15 Bizarre Injuries That Actually Happened to Pro Athletes
Even the most elite athletes are not immune to freak accidents that seem too strange to be true.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
Professional athletes push their bodies to the limit, but sometimes, their most shocking injuries have nothing to do with the game. Some injuries left fans stunned, while others became infamous moments in sports history. Here are 15 of the most bizarre injuries ever suffered by pro athletes.
1. Sneezing Gone Wrong
Jon Gudorf Photography on Wikimedia Commons
Former baseball pitcher Sammy Sosa once injured his back from an intense sneezing fit. What seemed like a harmless reflex left him dealing with painful back spasms, proving that even the simplest actions can lead to unexpected injuries. It is a reminder that pro athletes are just as human as the rest of us.
2. Dropping a Cologne Bottle
Photo of Dropping a Cologne Bottle
Former goalkeeper Santiago Cañizares missed the 2002 World Cup due to an unexpected accident. He dropped a bottle of aftershave, and a piece of glass sliced a tendon in his foot. A single slip in the bathroom changed his entire season.
3. A Celebration Gone Wrong
Sakhalinio on Wikimedia Commons
Former NBA player Drew Gooden learned the hard way that celebrations can be dangerous. After a big win, he jumped in excitement and landed awkwardly, injuring his ankle. Sometimes, the aftermath of victory can be more painful than the game itself.
4. Tripping Over Luggage
BrokenSphere on Wikimedia Commons
Kicker Bill Gramatica’s career took a hit in the most unexpected way—tripping over his own luggage. A seemingly minor fall resulted in a serious knee injury, sidelining him for months. It was an ironic twist for an athlete who relied on precision footwork.
5. Biting a Sandwich Too Hard
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Golfer Spencer Levin suffered a jaw injury from biting into a sandwich too aggressively. What started as a simple lunch turned into a painful misstep that required medical attention. Even the most routine moments can take an unexpected turn.
6. A Cactus Attack
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Tennis player Jürgen Melzer once injured himself trying to remove a cactus from his hand. Instead of carefully pulling out the needles, he made it worse by using the wrong technique. Who knew gardening could be so hazardous?
7. Headbutting a Wall
Hayden Schiff from Cincinnati, USA on Wikimedia Commons
Baseball player Kevin Brown broke his hand by punching a wall in frustration. He was so angry after a poor performance that he forgot the wall would not budge. A split-second decision led to weeks of regret.
8. Hurting Himself While Sleeping
CeeGee on Wikimedia Commons
Footballer Darren Barnard tore his knee ligament by slipping on his puppy’s accident on the floor. Waking up to an unexpected mess led to an injury that kept him off the field for months. It’s a true case of bad luck at home.
9. Slipping in the Shower
Keith Allison on Wikimedia Commons
NBA player Lionel Simmons once suffered an injury from spending too much time playing video games. His wrist was so sore from excessive gaming that he had to sit out games. Not all sports injuries happen on the court.
10. Tearing Muscle While Laughing
All-Pro Reels on Wikimedia Commons
Golfer Thomas Levet had to withdraw from a tournament after fracturing his shin while celebrating. A miscalculated jump into a water hazard left him limping instead of cheering. Sometimes, celebrations come at a painful price.
11. Getting Injured by a Fish
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Former soccer player Kirk Broadfoot suffered burns when an exploding poached egg hit his face. What seemed like a harmless meal turned into a painful accident that sidelined him from playing. Kitchen mishaps are an unexpected hazard for athletes.
12. Straining a Back While Standing Up
All-Pro Reels from District of Columbia, USA on Wikimedia Commons
Pitcher Joel Zumaya had to sit out games because of an injury he sustained playing Guitar Hero. His intense gameplay led to arm inflammation, proving that even virtual competition can take a toll on the body. Sometimes, rest days are truly necessary.
13. Slamming a Hand on a Car Window
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Former NBA player Amar’e Stoudemire badly injured his hand after punching a fire extinguisher case in frustration. His outburst after a tough game left him needing stitches and missing crucial playing time. Losing control can have painful consequences.
14. Dislocating a Shoulder While Reaching for a Remote
Minda Haas Kuhlmann from Omaha on Wikimedia Commons
Football player Lionel Letizi suffered a shoulder injury while reaching for his TV remote. A small movement became a major setback, showing that accidents do not always happen on the field. Sometimes, everyday actions come with unexpected risks.
15. Slipping on a Leaf
Stevie Manson from Irvine, Scotland on Wikimedia Commons
Golfer Wayne Levi injured himself after slipping on a leaf while walking. A simple misstep led to an injury that disrupted his career for weeks. Nature can be just as unpredictable as the game itself.