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'This is awful': America in shock over 'terrifying' scenes in NFL

sam goodwin
Sports Editor
·3-min read
Donald Parham, pictured here being assessed by medics.
Donald Parham is assessed by medics in the first quarter of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

The NFL was rocked by frightening scenes on Thursday when Los Angeles Chargers tight end Donald Parham was stretchered from the field after a scary incident on national TV.

The first drive of the nationally-televised 'Thursday Night Football' ended with a terrifying moment when Parham appeared to knock himself out.

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Parham appeared to fall unconscious upon impact with the ground in the end zone after reeling in what would have been a touchdown pass from Justin Herbert.

Parham had the ball in his hands, but then his helmet snapped back and made hard contact with the turf.

The 24-year-old's arms immediately jolted up toward his helmet before his body went motionless on the ground.

A controversial close-up of his face showed his eyes closed.

Parham remained motionless on the ground for several minutes, with broadcaster Fox going to a commercial break.

They then went to to another break as Chargers trainers attended to Parham, while his teammates looked on in distress.

Donald Parham, pictured here being taken off the field to be assessed further for injury.
Donald Parham is taken off the field to be assessed further for injury. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

NFL world in shock over 'terrifying' scenes

He was eventually wheeled into an ambulance while strapped down on a stretcher with his arms visibly shaking.

The Chargers later announced that Parham had been taken to a hospital for further evaluation.

Fans and commentators took to social media to send their well-wishes.

Los Angeles Chargers players, pictured here appearing visibly distressed.
Los Angeles Chargers players appeared visibly distressed. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

"Scary scene on that field right now," wrote Robert Griffin III.

"Players put their livelihood on the line every time they step in between those lines. Prayers up for Donald Parham."

Derrick Johnson wrote: "Sucks that sometimes we have to see someone seriously hurt on the field to put things into perspective.

"Praying for Donald Parham".

The 24-year-old is in his second season with the Chargers after joining the team in April 2020 following the collapse of the XFL.

Through nine games this season, he had 20 catches, 190 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 26 targets.

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