Report: Broncos LB Aaron Patrick suing NFL, Chargers for torn ACL

Broncos linebacker and special teamer Aaron Patrick is suing the NFL, Chargers and others after a torn ACL cost him his season, according to TMZ.

The injury happened in overtime against Los Angeles back on Oct. 17. The play was fluky and unfortunate, as Patrick was trying to avoid a big collision on the overcrowded NFL sideline, and instead hurt himself.

#Broncos LB Aaron Patrick, who grabbed his knee after this awkward sideline collision Monday night, suffered a torn ACL and is out for the season, per source. pic.twitter.com/QYJkLiv4vP

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 18, 2022

Patrick, in particular, is upset about the mats on the sideline used to cover cords for the television broadcast. ESPN, which was carrying the game, is included in the lawsuit. According to TMZ, Patrick is suing for unspecified damages, including lost bonuses and future earning potential.

“The NFL is a multi-billion-dollar sports enterprise and business, and it needs to do everything possible to protect its players from non-contact game injuries,” Patrick’s attorney William M. Berman said. “SoFi Stadium was built at a $5,000,000,000 expense; the stadium should have the state-of-the-art equipment to protect for player safety, and not use the type of $100 mats that you would expect to see in a restaurant kitchen.”

It all makes sense. The NFL sideline has far too many people and too much equipment right next to the playing field. In fact, it’s a minor miracle more players don’t get hurt on a weekly basis. The league should put up ad boards like in soccer and get about 90 percent of people the heck off the field.

Patrick played five games for the Broncos before getting hurt, registering three tackles. He’s scheduled to be back with Denver in 2023 and make $940,000, according to Spotrac.

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