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Korey Stringer

Stringer with the Minnesota Vikings.
No. 77
Offensive Tackle
Personal information
Date of birth: May 8, 1974(1974-05-08)
Place of birth: Warren, Ohio
Date of death: August 1, 2001 (aged 27)
Place of death: Mankato, Minnesota
Height: 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	Weight: 335 lb (152 kg)
Career information
College: Ohio State
NFL Draft: 1995 / Round: 1 / Pick: 24
Debuted in 1995 for the Minnesota Vikings
Last played in 2000 for the Minnesota Vikings
Career history
As player: Minnesota Vikings (1995-2000)
Career highlights and awards
1× Pro Bowl selection (2000) Minnesota Vikings #77 retired
Stats at NFL.com

Korey Damont Stringer (May 8, 1974–August 1, 2001) was an American football player who died from complications brought on by heat stroke, during training camp in Mankato, Minnesota while in training camp with the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League.

College career

Stringer was born in Warren, Ohio and attended Ohio State University where he was teammates on the offensive line with Orlando Pace and blocking for running backs Eddie George and Robert Smith.

Professional career

The Minnesota Vikings drafted him in the first round of the 1995 NFL Draft. He was a standout on the offensive line, earning Pro Bowl honors in what turned out to be his final season. The Vikings retired his jersey number 77 during the 2001 NFL season. Stringer's widow filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the team and doctors. Parts of her lawsuit were later thrown out; her suit against the NFL was settled in January 2009. The only disclosed term of the settlement is that the NFL will support efforts to create a heat illness prevention program^[1]. His widow also brought a lawsuit against Riddell Inc., the manufacturer of Stringer's pads and helmet. In July 2009, a federal judge determined that Riddell had a duty to inform Stringer that their equipment could contribute to heat injuries. A district court judge then ordered a jury trial regarding the matter.^[2]

Stringer's death brought about major changes regarding heat stroke prevention throughout the NFL. His death also addressed complications of pressuring players to "bulk up" to well over 300 lbs. Stringer, who at the time of his death was 6'4" and weighed 335 lbs., was at the lowest weight he had ever been in his pro career. Many teams now train in light color uniforms, water and shade are made readily available, and a team doctor is at practice sessions at all times.

References

External links

• findagrave.com
• USA Today Article
• ESPN Article
• Article featuring players reactions