Donte Stallworth Injured In Hot Air Balloon Accident
Free Agent wide receiver Donte Stallworth was injured in a hot air balloon accident this morning. He is currently in the hospital and in stable condition.
Donte Stallworth played one game with the New England Patriots last season before being placed on injured reserve with a high ankle sprain. In need of a deep threat and strapped for cash, New England could bring Stallworth back this season to make up for the loss of Wes Welker to the Broncos.
Details regarding the hot air balloon accident that left Donte Satllworth injured are sparse right now. It has been reported that he sustained minor burns and was with his girlfriend at the time of the accident. Mike Reiss, a local Patriots reporter, reports Stallworth was with his girlfriend when the hot air balloon ran into power lines.
The injuries sustained by Donte Stallworth are considered non serious and will not effect his career.
Over a 10 year career in the NFL Stallworth has played for six teams. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints, where he stayed for four seasons. His final season in New Orleans was his best. He recorded 945 yards receiving with seven touchdowns.
After leaving New Orleans, Stallworth spent a year in Philadelphia, New England, Cleveland, Baltimore, and Washington before finally returning to New England last year. Currently a free agent, Stallworth could return to the Patriots next season to prove he can still be productive. Both sides have mutual interest in working out a deal.
The Patriots probably see Donte Stallworth as a compliment to their receiving corps and are looking to keep Tom Brady happy after losing Wes Welker. Stallworth would also help stabilize a passing game introducing Danny Amendola into the fold in 2013. The Patriots current number one receiver is Brandon Lloyd, but his age could become an issue as he plays into his thirties. New England could also look to draft wide receivers to bring youth back to their passing game.
Dont Stallworth’s injury should not concern potential suitors. With off season activities not scheduled to get underway for another three months, he has plenty of time to recover from his injuries and audition for potential suitors. He might want to stay in New England to make sure he stays with a contender though.
Pats WR @dontestallworth was in hot-air balloon accident this morning in Miami. Now hospitalized & in stable condition. Thoughts w/ Donte.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) March 16, 2013
I’m told that Donte’ Stallworth is in stable condition after sustaining burns when hot-air balloon he was in w/ girlfriend hit power lines.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) March 16, 2013
Despite being hospitalized after hot balloon accident, WR @dontestallworth did not suffer serious injuries and will be able to resume career
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2013
Do you think Donte Stallworth’s injury from a hot air balloon accident could negatively effect his free agent stock?
