Top 10 Most Bizarre Sports Injuries in History: From Food Poisoning to Dog Bites

When Athletes Get Hurt in the Weirdest Ways

Sports injuries are common, but some athletes take misfortune to another level—getting sidelined for reasons nobody could predict. Let’s dive into the most bizarre injury stories in sports history.

1. Cody Bellinger’s Food Poisoning Fiasco

New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger recently missed a game due to food poisoning—caused by eating spoiled chicken wings. This adds him to the long list of athletes injured off the field.

2. Aaron Gordon’s Christmas Dog Bite

Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon spent Christmas 2023 getting 21 stitches after his dog bit his shooting hand and face. Despite the setback, he returned within a week.

3. Bill Gramatica’s Celebratory ACL Tear

In 2001, Arizona Cardinals kicker Bill Gramatica tore his ACL while celebrating a routine field goal. His overly enthusiastic jump ended his season instantly.

4. Chris Hanson’s Locker Room Ax Accident

Jacksonville Jaguars punter Chris Hanson sliced his leg with an axe meant as a motivational prop ("Keep choppin’ wood!"), forcing him to miss the rest of the 2003 season.

5. Sammy Sosa’s Sneezing Back Injury

Chicago Cubs legend Sammy Sosa strained his back in 2004—not from swinging, but from an overzealous sneeze.

6. Clint Barmes’ Deer Meat Disaster

Colorado Rockies' Clint Barmes broke his collarbone in 2005 while carrying deer meat gifted by teammate Todd Helton, derailing his hot season.

7. Mikhail Youzhny’s Self-Inflicted Racket Wound

Russian tennis player Mikhail Youzhny smashed his own forehead with his racket mid-match in 2008—yet still won the game.

8. Brandon Inge’s Pillow-Induced Oblique Strain

Detroit Tigers catcher Brandon Inge strained an oblique in 2008 while adjusting his son’s pillow, landing him on the injured list.

9. Kendrys Morales’ Walk-Off Grand Slam Leg Break

After hitting a game-winning grand slam in 2010, Kendrys Morales jumped into a celebration pile—only to snap his leg upon landing, ending his season.

10. Antonio Brown’s Summer Frostbite

In 2019, Antonio Brown got frostbite in July (!) after misusing cryotherapy equipment—a bizarre repeat of the same mishap that once struck Rickey Henderson.