Warning: There's content in this article that might be unsettling to some, featuring burns on an NFL player's face—viewer discretion is advised.
Heading into the Cleveland Browns Week 4 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens at home, reports surfaced that Browns tight end David Njoku sustained burns to his face in a home accident, and recently, on Instagram, he revealed the results of the burns.
Before the game against the Ravens, Njoku was seen entering the stadium wearing a fur coat, no shirt, and a mask. Admittedly, it was a fantastic pre-game outfit. Here is what Njoku posted on Instagram, revealing what the burns look like. Again, this is pretty brutal to look at.
Dude… how did David Njoku play a football game with these burns on his face??
Talk about toughness… pic.twitter.com/czSuedjnvB
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) October 11, 2023
Shockingly, Njoku played a game just days after suffering these burns.
In the game against the Ravens, Njoku saw seven targets and caught six for 46 yards. He ran the fourth-most routes (32) and one 91.4% of the time on the field.
After photos of his burns started making the rounds, users on X gave their support and were equally astonished that he played in the game.
I’ll say this. David Njoku endeared himself to Cleveland forever. I have no idea how he played that game.
What a tough dude.
— Nick Pedone (@NickPedone12) October 12, 2023
"I'll say this. David Njoku endeared himself to Cleveland forever. I have no idea how he played that game. What a tough dude," one user said.
David Njoku is one tough SOB.
— BIGPLAY Dave (@BIGPLAY_Dave) October 11, 2023
"David Njoku is one tough SOB." another wrote.
Last year it was David Njoku catching the game winning TD in overtime against Tom Brady and the Buccaneers.
This year it's David Njoku playing through significant burns to his face and leading the team in receiving while doing so.
Leadership. pic.twitter.com/c512NhmCv8
— Nick Karns (@karnsies817) October 11, 2023
"Last year it was David Njoku catching the game winning TD in overtime against Tom Brady and the Buccaneers. This year it's David Njoku playing through significant burns to his face and leading the team in receiving while doing so. Leadership." someone else wrote, applauding Njoku's leadership and presence in Cleveland.
Njoku, 27, was drafted 29th overall in the 2017 NFL Draft by the Browns. He's caught 227 passes on 336 targets for 2,586 yards and 19 touchdowns in his career. His best season came in 2018 when he caught 56 passes for 639 yards and four touchdowns.