Philadelphia Eagles Ex Still Trying to Collect Damages for Career-Ending Injury

Former Philadelphia Eagles team captain Chris Maragos was awarded over $43 million in damages by a jury last year.

Oct 11, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles free safety Chris Maragos (42). / Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

PHILADELPHIA - Former Philadelphia Eagles special-teams star Chris Maragos was awarded $43.5 million in a lawsuit filed against his doctors over a career-ending knee injury in February of 2023 but has yet to collect any of the damages awarded.

Despite the 14-plus months since the trial to meet the conditions of the verdict, Rothman Orthopedics recently filed an emergency motion to stay execution on judgment, claiming an inability to pay the verdict.

In the answer to the petition, Maragos' attorneys have cited continual poor business practices by Rothman including excessive executive compensation and the decision to carry only minimal insurance coverage.

Oct 26, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles safety Chris Maragos (42). / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Plaintiffs in their answer wrote, "The Plaintiff has paid a heavy price for his surgery with Rothman – it cost him a flourishing NFL career and his right leg. Rothman, to date, has paid no price and in fact, continues with its reckless business-as-usual policies and conduct."

In February of 2023, a jury at the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas found that orthopedic surgeon James Bradley of the University of Pittsburgh and Rothman were negligent in the medical malpractice case, causing harm to two-time Super Bowl-winning safety and forcing him to end his NFL career prematurely.

Bradley, not Rothman, performed the surgery on Maragos’ knee. His treatment and recovery were overseen by Rothman, however. Maragos believes that his rehab was pushed too quickly despite an MRI showing he was still suffering from a partial tear of the PCL.

Bradley was found to be 67 percent negligent ($29.2 million) and Rothman Orthopedics 33 percent ($14.3 million), according to court documents at the time.

Maragos suffered the injury during a game against the Carolina Panthers on October 12, 2017, which was later diagnosed as a torn right knee posterior cruciate ligament.

Among the witnesses to testify on behalf of Maragos during the original trial were former teammates Nick Foles, Jordan Hicks and Trey Burton.

The Eagles have made significant changes to their medical staff since Maragos' injury.

A hearing is scheduled for this Wednesday, April 10, in which both parties will begin oral arguments.