Being a professional athlete may have its perks, but what most people don’t realize is just how physically demanding it can be. When you step into the realm of professional sports, you must stay at the top of your game at all times, which means a strict work out and diet regimen becomes a full time job. If you want to remain in the top ranks of your sport, you have to constantly push yourself, and make sure you prove to everyone else that you deserve the position you’re in. However, this constant pressure usually leads to injuries and sometimes even death.

Sadly, there have been cases of athletes tragically passing away while competing. Today we will be going over a few instances where these unexpected tragedies took place. It’s a terrible thing when what you love most ultimately takes your life. These eleven athletes should be remembered for their unrelenting dedication and impressive skills; they will forever be missed and remain well-respected.

11. Al Lucas – Football

Considering the rough nature of the sport, you would think more would have fallen victim to its hard hitting tackles. Yet, only two players have actually died on the field, one being 26-year old, 300-pound Al Lucas. During an Arena Football League game back in April 2005, Lucas was covering a kickoff for the Los Angeles Avengers during the first quarter of their game against the New York Dragons. During the match, he was tackled by two Dragons players; one of the tacklers’ thigh and knee struck him in the head. Everything seemed normal at first, however, Lucas never got up from the hit. It was later determined that blunt force trauma to the spinal cord was the cause of death.

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