Chicago Bears wide receiver Johnny Knox goes for the loose ball after he fumbled while being hit by Seattle Seahawks safety Kam Chancellor (31). Seconds later Knox's life would change forever following another hit that left him with a broken vertebra. (Reuters)
For Johnny Knox, the end came more than a year ago when his body was left broken and twisted on the turf at Soldier Field.
Tuesday, the Bears just made it official.
The once-promising Chicago receiver and kick returner had been released, the club announced — another victim of the relentless toll the game takes on the men who love it.
Knox started in 27 of 45 games from 2009-11, catching 133 passes for 2,214 yards and 12 touchdowns. He made the Pro Bowl. But on Dec. 18, 2011 his future changed forever.
He caught a pass, cut across the middle and just as he turned upfield, had the ball knocked from his hands by safety Kam Chancellor. As he dove to recover it, he suffered a devastating hit from defensive end Anthony Hargrove.
His back was bent backward.
He had just turned down a four-year, $16-million contract offer. Knox had a broken vertebra.
