- Heatstroke caused by overheating after “prolonged exposure, or physical exertion, in high temperatures.”
- 11 football players have died from heatstroke during football-related activity over the past five years.
- After 2001 death of Korey Stringer, NFL modified policies regarding health and safety at practices.
With the start of NFL training camps just around the corner, last month’s death of former Dallas Cowboys running back Marion Barber due to heatstroke looms as a reminder to players, coaches and medical personnel of the danger that can result when intense physical exertion and extreme temperatures are combined.
Barber, 38, was found dead in a Dallas apartment on June 1 with a bathtub faucet running, the unit’s thermostat set to 91 degrees and the heat turned on. Officials also found exercise equipment in the apartment. According to a coroner’s report, Barber “was known to exercise in sauna-like conditions.”
Although Barber retired from the NFL after the 2011 season, his death brings to mind other instances of other players – at all different levels – who’ve had their lives cut short by complications from heatstroke on the football field.
Here’s what we know about heatstroke:
What is heatstroke?
According to the Mayo Clinic, heatstroke is caused by the body overheating, “usually as a result of prolonged exposure, or physical exertion, in high temperatures.”
The Mayo Clinic refers to it as “the most serious form of heat injury.” It occurs if a body’s temperature rises to 104 degrees or higher. Untreated heatstroke can quickly damage a person’s brain, heart, kidneys and muscles.