10 Athletes That Died While Playing

[bholas]

Death is something that most people fear, simply because we don’t know what happens after we die. Others aren’t afraid to die, but I think it’s safe to say that a lot of us get a bad feeling when we think about what comes next. While we may not know when or what is next, we do know that it is sure to come.
Most people want to die a peaceful death; usually while asleep. However, let’s look at a few athletes from the last few decades that have been active and awake before the time of their death. All of these men died doing what they loved. Maybe this is the way to go…who knows!
10. J.V. Cain



J.V. Cain was a tight end for the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1970s. He had been the tight end for six years and was racking up great statistics for the team. On July 22, 1979, Cain was taking part in the teams training camp in order to get ready for the new season. This day was also his 28th birthday. During camp, he was running a normal pass route and suddenly took a few steps backward, huddled over, and collapsed. Cain died from congenital heart failure. Though he didn’t die during the NFL Season, he still died doing something he loved.

Similar Threads:

• Highest-paid female athletes
• 10 technologies that died in last10 years

[bholas]

9. Howard Glenn

Howard Glenn was an American football player for the AFL. He joined the AFL’s New York Titans in 1960 are a starting offensive guard. Glenn stands as the only player to die from injuries that were sustained during a normal season football game. While Glenn’s future as an offensive guard looked promising, he suffered a broken neck on October 9 in a game against the Houston Oilers in the first half. A few hours later, he died because of his injuries to his spinal cord. His #66 jersey was retired.

[bholas]

8. Bill Masterton



Bill Masterton was from Winnipeg, Manitoba and was signed by the Montreal Canadiens right out of college in 1961. He was an All-American player and was a great addition to the team. He spent most of his years playing in minor league and then quit for some time to work for a corporation. In 1967 the North Stars added him to the team and he became the first player to score a goal for the team. On January 13, 1968, the North Stars were playing the Oakland Seals. Masterton had the puck and was close to scoring, but passed the puck. Masterton was checked by two players of the Seals’ team and immediately feel backwards on the ice, his head slamming against it. He died shortly after due to a massive brain hemorrhage. It was so bad that even doctors couldn’t operate.

[bholas]

7. Chuck Hughes

Chuck Hughes was another promising player for the NFL. While in college, he set seven different all-time football records. A notable record is Hughes’ 17 interceptions in a single game against Arizona State in 1965. After graduating from college, he was a fourth round draft pick for the Philadelphia Eagles. He played for the Eagles for three years until joining the Detroit Lions in 1970. Hughes was listed as a wide receiver on the roster, but many of his plays were made on special teams. During the final minutes of a game against the Chicago Bears, Hughes suddenly fell forward without any type of contact. Players and fans thought he was faking an injury to stop the clock; however, Hughes had suffered a fatal heart attack. The game was concluded, but in silence.

[bholas]

6. Ray Chapman



Ray Chapman was a Major League Baseball player. He stands as the second player to have died as a result of injuries received during a baseball game. In 1912 he joined the Major Leagues and played for the Cleveland Naps. He was the leader in the American League in runs scored as well as walks. He was known for bunting and was a great shortstop. He was hitting .303 with 97 runs scored when he died. On August 17, 1920, the Naps were playing the Yankees. The Yankees’ pitcher, Carl Mays, threw the ball and it head Chapman on the head. Fans thought that the sound of the ball hitting his skull was the sound of it hitting his bat. Chapman was taken to the hospital and died 12 hours later. His death emphasized why players need to wear batting helmets and why the spitball has been banned.