Featured in the new Netflix documentary series “Receiver,” Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown opens up about the extraordinary challenges he faced during the 2024 NFL season, including a severe injury and a bizarre illness.
St. Brown revealed that he completely tore his left oblique from the bone after taking a hit in a Week 3 game against the Atlanta Falcons.
This devastating injury occurred during his first catch of the game, while he was already dealing with a toe injury that required him to wear steel plates in his cleats for additional support.
Despite the significant pain, St. Brown continued to play, showcasing his resilience and determination. An MRI after Week 4 confirmed the severity of the injury, but it didn’t stop him from making a crucial impact. In a remarkable feat, he scored a critical touchdown in a Week 4 win against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, just four days after sustaining the injury.
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Reflecting on the pain during practice that week, St. Brown rated it as an “eight or a nine” out of 10. Although he typically avoids painkillers, he made an exception for this game, humorously noting, “Painkillers are something I don’t really like to take unless – unless it’s the Packers.”
Despite these setbacks, St. Brown had a stellar season, finishing with 1,515 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns on 119 catches. His performance earned him First-Team All-Pro honors for the first time in his career, cementing his status as one of the league’s top wide receivers.
The challenges didn’t end there for St. Brown. Before the Week 8 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football, he contracted hand, foot, and mouth disease, a rare and painful illness that caused sores and blisters. This illness made every step and catch excruciatingly painful.
“I’m not letting nothing stop me from playing Monday night,” St. Brown declared, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the game. “Had a mask on my face so nobody could see what my face was looking like because it looked bad. I’m running on needles. Catching the ball hurt, everything was just hurting at that point.”
Despite these physical and health challenges, St. Brown’s tenacity and perseverance shone through, making his accomplishments during the season even more impressive.
His story of overcoming adversity is a testament to his dedication and passion for football, inspiring fans and fellow athletes alike. The Netflix documentary “Receiver” captures these moments, offering a deeper insight into the life and career of Amon-Ra St. Brown.
