
Sports can shock us in more ways than one—sometimes, it can be due to the injuries athletes endure off the field. Picture this: elite competitors getting sidelined by the most mundane activities or bizarre accidents you’d hardly expect from the physically gifted. These 15 tales go beyond the usual sprains and muscle tears as they venture into the strange, unexpected realm.
Steve Sparks vs. the Phonebook

Spring training can yield some odd tales, but Steve Sparks’ attempt to tear a phonebook in half surely ranks among the most peculiar. At a 1994 Milwaukee Brewers team-building exercise, Sparks, aiming to emulate the motivational speakers’ feats of strength, gave it his all. Unfortunately, he underestimated the challenge, leading to a dislocated shoulder.
Corey Webster’s Avocado Mishap

During the 2021-22 NBL season, Corey Webster was benched not by an opponent but by an avocado. In a struggle with the stubborn pit, Webster ended up slicing through his hand, severing a nerve critical for basketball handling. His coach humorously remarked that while Webster was battling the avocado one-on-one, the fruit fought back fiercely.
Dana Hooker’s Kitchen Accident

Kitchen mishaps seem familiar, but Dana Hooker’s wound was particularly extreme. The AFLW star’s 2021 season concluded abruptly after just one game when she accidentally knocked a knife off the counter, slicing a tendon in her foot. This unusual injury required surgery, illustrating that dangers in the athlete’s kitchen are real.
Glenallen Hill’s Arachnophobia

In 1990, Glenallen Hill suffered a bizarre injury resulting from a sleepwalking incident triggered by a nightmare about spiders, a fear he profoundly held. Frantically trying to escape the imaginary arachnids, Hill crashed through a glass table in his apartment. This severe sleepwalking episode left him with numerous injuries, including cuts and carpet burns, necessitating medical attention and placing him on the disabled list.
Jason Pierre-Paul’s Firework Fiasco

Fourth of July celebrations in 2015 turned tragic for NFL player Jason Pierre-Paul when fireworks severely damaged his hand, necessitating the amputation of several fingers. Despite this traumatic event, Pierre-Paul made a remarkable comeback to professional football, later using his experience to advocate for fireworks safety and caution.
Joel Zumaya’s Guitar Hero Incident

Missing the 2006 postseason action, Joel Zumaya, then with the Detroit Tigers, suffered from inflammation in his right arm. The cause? Excessive playing of the video game Guitar Hero. The intense strumming and frequent gaming sessions led to traumas that mimicked those of a guitar player more than a baseball pitcher.
Trevor Bauer’s Drone Repair Gone Wrong

Hobbyist drone flying resulted in an unfortunate occurrence for Cleveland Indians pitcher Trevor Bauer, who sliced his finger and needed stitches. This unusual happening occurred just before Game 2 of the American League Championship Series in 2016, leading to his start being postponed to Game 3.
Sammy Sosa’s Sneezing Injury

Disabled list status befell Sammy Sosa, a Chicago Cubs star, in 2004 after a peculiar situation. Two violent sneezes triggered acute back spasms that later turned out to be a sprained ligament in his lower back. It happened just before a match, and the trauma was severe enough to keep Sosa out of play for 30 games.
Kevin Mitchell’s Microwaved Donut Disaster

An uncommon off-field injury befell Kevin Mitchell, an MLB player, in 1990. After microwaving a donut, Mitchell chipped a tooth on the unexpectedly hard pastry. The damage was grave enough to require a root canal, a dental procedure that removes damaged or infected pulp from the tooth’s root.
Brandon Morrow’s Trouser Trouble

Unexpectedly, MLB pitcher Brandon Morrow was injured in 2018 due to a mishap. One night, when he was trying to take off his pants, he twisted awkwardly, which resulted in a back strain. Although this injury happened while performing a mundane activity, it was notable enough to sideline him for several games.
Jonny Bairstow’s Golf Course Calamity

While walking to the tee, English cricketer Jonny Bairstow slipped, breaking his fibula and dislocating his ankle. This unfortunate accident on the golf course led to acute wounds, which benched him from the T20 World Cup and served as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of the damages, even in non-contact settings like a golf course.
Marty Cordova’s Tanning Bed Burn

Severe facial burns afflicted Marty Cordova, an outfielder for the Baltimore Orioles, in 2002 due to a nap in a tanning bed. The burns were so intense that he was temporarily moved to the designated hitter position to keep him out of direct sunlight. The situation did not cause him to miss many games but notably affected his playing conditions and personal health.
Bill Gramatica’s Celebration Misstep

Excitement filled the air as Bill Gramatica, the Arizona Cardinals kicker, leaped joyfully after nailing a 43-yard field goal in December 2001. Unfortunately, the landing, not the leap, went awry, resulting in a harsh knee injury. This event, occurring early in his rookie season, ended his match that day and incapacitated him for the remainder of the season.
Gus Frerotte’s Head-Butting Harm

Neck sprain injuries like the one Gus Frerotte sustained at the 1997 game against the New York Giants are memorable for a reason. It occurred when he head-butted a padded cement wall in celebration after scoring a touchdown. This impulsive act not only caused him significant pain but also forced him to sit out the remainder of the competition.
Nigel Martyn’s Ankle Injury

In 1998, English goalkeeper Nigel Martyn broke his ankle while walking his dog in what appeared to be a safe activity. The episode highlighted the unexpected risks athletes face during routine activities. Martyn’s injury had significant implications, sidelining him from crucial matches and impacting his overall physical condition.