Football players are known for their toughness, but what about the injuries they battle through without being listed on official injury reports? Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown opened up about a hidden oblique injury he was dealing with before a game against the Green Bay Packers last season, as revealed in the Netflix docuseries “Receiver.”
In the episode, St. Brown discussed how he was in significant pain leading up to the game against the Packers, rating it at an eight or nine on a scale of 10. Despite the discomfort, he made the decision to play, stating that it was too late to sit out since the game plan was already set. St. Brown, who had a standout performance the week before against the Atlanta Falcons with nine catches for 102 yards, decided to tough it out without taking painkillers until the matchup against the Packers.
The issue that arose from St. Brown’s revelation was that the Lions did not include him on the official injury report prior to the game against the Packers. Despite this omission, St. Brown managed to play in the game and contributed five receptions for 56 yards and a touchdown in the Lions’ win. However, the following week, he had to sit out against the Carolina Panthers, marking his only missed game of the season.
Despite battling through injuries, St. Brown had a stellar season, earning First Team All-Pro honors with career highs in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. His resilience and determination on the field did not go unnoticed, leading to well-deserved recognition for his performance throughout the season.
St. Brown’s story sheds light on the challenges that NFL players face, both in dealing with injuries and the pressure to perform at the highest level week in and week out. It also raises questions about the transparency of injury reporting in the league and whether all players’ health concerns are accurately reflected on official reports.
As fans, it’s important to acknowledge the sacrifices and struggles that players like Amon-Ra St. Brown endure to compete at the highest level of the sport. Their dedication and perseverance, even in the face of adversity, exemplify the true spirit of football and the unwavering commitment of players to their teams and the game they love.
