The Colorado Avalanche talented player suffer career ending injury

Player safety and the long-term consequences of their injuries has been one of the biggest issues in sports for a while now—particularly in recent months. The Saints ‘Bountygate’ scandal, concussions in the NHL and NFL and a number of athlete deaths in the last year have all contributed to the discussion.

But that discussion has been focused on the long-term implications of player health. It was a problem that was easily ignored for decades—out of sight, out of mind. We’re finally starting to get a better understanding of the consequences of improper treatment of head injuries.

The ramifications of viscous on-the-field hits are something we’re more aware of. Seeing an athlete carted off by paramedics is always a poignant moment that is hard to forget. Let’s take a look at 25 of the worst career ending injuries in sports.

25. Nick Kypreos, New York Rangers

1 OF 25

Former New York Ranger winger Nick Kypreos played professional hockey for just over a decade before being forced into retirement with post-concussion syndrome.

The final concussion of Kypreos career was sustained as a result of his Rangers teammate, Ryan VandenBussche.

24. Daunte Culpepper, Minnesota Vikings

2 OF 25

After his breakout season in 2004, Vikings quarterback Duante Culpepper sustained a major knee injury during a game against the Panthers in 2005. Culpepper damaged three of the four major ligaments in his knee and was placed on IR.

He was released by the Vikes in 2006 and attempted a comeback with the Dolphins, but he never even got close to his pre-injury form and only started 24 games in his last four seasons in the league.

23. Alvin Williams, Toronto Raptors

3 OF 25

Former Raptors guard Alvin Williams played just over five seasons in the NBA, most of which were spent on the injury list, thanks to a serious knee injury he sustained in his third season.

Williams tried to come back from the injury twice, but he was never able to get back to form.

22. Dean Ashton, West Ham United

4 OF 25

Dean Ashton is an English footballer who played for England’s national team and last played for West Ham United. Ashton sustained a broken ankle in 2006, that he managed to recover from and play just over one more season.

But the ankle injury lingered and is the reason he had to retire at age 26. He’s currently suing the FA and/or Chelsea for their liability in the incident.

21. Jeff Beukeboom, Edmonton Oilers

5 OF 25

Defenseman Jeff Beukeboom played just under 15 years in the NHL, but it could have been a lot more had it not been for a sucker punch by the Kings Matt Johnson in 1998.

After the incident, Beukeboom attempted to play again but he was plagued by headaches, memory loss, nausea and confusion. He was diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome and forced into retirement.