Football is a relatively violent sport. It’s not often that fatal outcomes stem from field injuries. But just because it’s rare doesn’t mean a player isn’t susceptible to grave injuries that could lead to death. The incident that happened at the annual Magic City Classic throws light on the risk that football players face every time they step onto the field. 

Alabama A&M LB Medrick Burnett Jr. succumbed to the on-field injuries during the clash with Alabama State on October 26. The injury stemmed from a head-on collision that led to brain complications, landing him in the ICU. Following this tragic news of his death, retired FBI agent Jennifer Coffindaffer got on X on November 30 to share the grief with the Burnett family as she experienced a similar fear. She wrote, “As previously posted, my son suffered an illegal target, which resulted in a horrible concussion weeks ago… He finally has recovered. Medrick Burnett Jr. unfortunately succumbed to a head injury he suffered the same time as my son.”

On October 28, Jennifer Coffindaffer posted a highlight of her son taking a “hard and cheap” hit that left him concussed. As a mother of three with two of her sons playing football, she added her pain and fear of their exposure. She wrote, “This makes me sick that Medrick lost his life playing the sport he likely loved. As a mother I just don’t know what the answer is when your son’s passion is a sport that is so dangerous.” 

Medrick Burnett Jr. was a transfer from Grambling State. This season, he played seven games for Alabama A&M before the fatal injury. Following his injury, his family’s statement gave a glimpse into the pain and sorrow they’ve been through. The statement read, “His 20th birthday was October 27th and one of the worst birthdays for us because he was in ICU and not doing well. He had several brain bleeds and swelling of the brain. He had to have a tube to drain to relieve the pressure, and after 2 days of severe pressure, we have to opt for a craniotomy, which was the last resort to help try to save his life.” Medrick Burnett Jr.’s passing left a huge hole in the hearts of many people as he joined the fallen stars who died from football injuries.

Football players are at risk in every game

Back in September, before the season injuries crept in, Jennifer Coffindaffer gave an update on X about kids who died doing what they loved. Per her report, eight kids died in August alone after sustaining football field injuries, including two of them—Caden Tellier and Cohen Craddock—with head injuries. 

It’s understandable why parents worry about this dangerous sport. One slip-up can have serious, life-altering consequences. Even Coffindaffer ended her update with “Praying for all young men who love and play this sport.” Unfortunate things have happened on-field and off-field, but still, it’s out of anyone’s control. We can only hope that we won’t have to face such grim situations often.