The terrifying details of David Njoku’s serious home accident, in which he might have burned to death
The star tight end for the Cleveland Browns, David Njoku, burned 17% of his body after an explosion in a firepit left his face nearly unrecognizable. He wears a mask to conceal his identity in public.
The fire and heat caused Njoku’s skin to become damaged in two layers, resulting in second-degree burns on his arms and face. The team doctor advised him not to participate in the competition, stating that the burns were “probably the most painful burn you can have”.
A burn of the second degree is mild to moderate, affecting both the epidermis and the upper layers of skin. Though not as dangerous as a third-degree burn, it is more serious than a first-degree burn, which is superficial. It is excruciatingly painful and takes weeks to heal.
Njoku remembers the instance.
The Browns are third in the AFC North with a 7-4 record, and the 2017 first-round pick has made 51 receptions for 492 yards and two touchdowns in 2023–24. They also have to deal with Deshaun Watson’s injury absence.
“It just exploded when I lit it up,” Njoku told the Browns’ press corps. “I witnessed the flames shoot up through my wrist and explode directly into my face. I was able to ignore the pain because it happened so quickly.”
Incredibly, he continued to play in the Browns’ following game against the Baltimore Ravens, recording six receptions for 46 yards in a remarkable demonstration of willpower and human strength despite undoubtedly excruciating pain.
On Sunday, December 3, they play the Los Angeles Rams, and Njoku will be wearing apparel that has been approved by the NFL as part of their “My Cause, My Cleats” campaign, which honors the American Burn Association.
