Earl Bennett Gives On-Field Account of the Johnny Knox Injury

Earl Bennett played with a lot of teammates he still adores to this day. Few were tighter with him that Johnny Knox. The former speedster from Abilene Christian carved out a prominent roll in the Chicago Bears offense by 2011, becoming one of the more feared deep threats in the game. Bennett had high praise for him, calling him "WR #1."

By the end of that season, things were in freefall though. The team was overrun by injuries. Jay Cutler had broken the thumb on his throwing hand. The defense was starting to suffer setbacks. Things hit rock bottom in a humiliating 38-14 loss to the Seattle Seahawks at Soldier Field. Yet it wasn't the final score that truly sent the team into total misery.

It was what happened Knox. Early in the 1st quarter, he caught a pass and turned into a strong gain for a first down. However, a Seahawks defender managed to knock the ball loose. While trying to dive on the fumble, another defender hit Knox as he was going forward, literally bending him in half the opposite direction.

Be warned. The video below is graphic and should not be played if you're easily squeamish.

Johnny Knox injury still affects Bennett to this day

Bennett was on the field during that sequence. In his latest #StoryTimeWithEarl, he offered his own personal account of what happened. Much of it was a confusing mess. Initially, he'd only though Knox lay prone in frustration after the fumble. When word spread of how bad it actually was? Bennett was devastated.

"The ball is hiked, and everyone sprints into their routes. As I break out and return. The ball is thrown and completed to WR #1 as he makes a big catch to get us out of our territory. He jukes one defender with his gracious step back move. He jukes another defender, but he gets his hand on the ball and WR #1 fumbles...

...After I make it to the sideline, I noticed WR #1 grabbing his back and trainers aiding him. Once I saw the cart come out, I knew we had a bigger problem than an athlete disgusted at his performance. We now have a severe injury that could be life-threatening.

The Jumbotron at Soldier Field replayed the hit. My heart fell, and my mind could not grasp what my eyes were seeing. Watching my teammate’s helmet touch his buttock was not something God intended the body to perform. This gruesome injury would shake the entire team."

Knox was forced to have emergency surgery at the hospital later that day in order to prevent further damage. He was then immediately placed in a back brace for stability. Examinations were conclusive from the start. The damage was way too extensive. Knox would never be able to play football again.

While the news broke Bennett's heart, he also expressed gratitude that the man is able to walk today. From everything he saw that day, it could've been so much worse.