Tight End David Njoku Playing Through Serious Injury, Providing Big Plays
On September 29th, Browns tight end David Njoku sustained severe burns at his home in Cleveland. The 27-year-old suffered burns on his face and hands in an accident that could have been even worse.
It happened when Njoku tried to light a bonfire. He was quickly hit with an explosion that nearly left him blind. It happened so quickly and was hard to process. He recently posted his burns to make others who have been through similar situations feel more comfortable. The event happened less than two days before the Browns took on the Baltimore Ravens, but that did not stop Njoku.
Tight End David Njoku Playing Through Adversity
Many teammates of tight end David Njoku showed appreciation as he decided to lace up for the Browns’ matchup with the Ravens. Both the offense and defense had arguably their worst performances to date, but Njoku played well through adversity.
David Njoku played a full game with these burns on his face. Warrior.
Here’s to a full recovery. pic.twitter.com/kcynK5hkR3
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) October 11, 2023
He led the team in catches with six and receiving yards with 46, good for a 7.7 average. He had seven targets and his longest reception was 15 yards. After being nearly blinded and having burns on his hands, catching six targets and leading his team can be stated as nothing short of astounding.
Tight end David Njoku followed this up with a three-catch and 24-yard performance in his most recent outing, showing that he can continue to play through pain and provide an offensive spark. When looking at the receiving room for the team, he is amongst the most important.
Numbers-wise, he is third on the team in targets with 22 and catches with 19. He is just behind Elijah Moore for second on the team in receiving yards with 162 yards. The touchdown against the 49ers could have been the first of the year for Njoku if not for a hold.
David vs Goliath
Browns tight end David Njoku is in his seventh season in the NFL and has spent each as a member of the Browns. Last year was the second-best of his career, and the best since his Sophomore season in the league.
He hauled in 58 catches for 628 yards and four touchdowns during the 2022 season, his best since his 639 yards and four touchdowns back in 2018. He is on pace to come close to both those statlines in 2023.
This is awesome: #Browns TE David Njoku says that he decided to show his burns on social media because other burn victims were reaching out to him talking about how they are embarrassed to show their face because of their appearance due to the burns.
He showed his face to make… pic.twitter.com/WPCo23dUOs
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) October 14, 2023
He has played in only three full seasons in his professional career but has not let this situation deter him from being there for his team. In a Browns offense that features its best players being out for the year and banged up, he has shown tremendous toughness.
As Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson comes back, and the offensive line gets healthier, they will rely on tight end David Njoku to be healthy and physical down the stretch. His impressive hands, big frame, and mental toughness are all vital to helping the Browns get better offensively. He has been and will be a huge part of the team’s success as they push for the playoffs.
Main Photo: [Joe Sargent/Getty Images] – USA Today Sports
