NFL implements cold water immersion tubs at all practice fields
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 1, 2026, 3:27 PM
Last updated Aug 1, 2026
In response to Korey Stringer's death from heat stroke in 2001, the NFL has mandated the presence of cold water immersion tubs at every team's practice facility. Stringer, who collapsed during a Minnesota Vikings practice, had a core temperature of 108.8 degrees Fahrenheit and died after insufficient on-site treatment. The Korey Stringer Institute, founded after a wrongful death lawsuit against the league, emphasizes the critical importance of rapid cooling in heat-related emergencies. Experts advocate for proactive measures in player safety to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
- •Korey Stringer died from exertional heat stroke in 2001.
- •Ninety minutes elapsed before he received proper medical care.
- •Cold immersion tubs are now mandatory at NFL practice fields.
- •The Korey Stringer Institute promotes quick cooling measures.
- •Stringer's story has prompted changes in safety protocols for athletes.
- 3:27 PMYahoo Sports — Korey Stringer died of heat-related illness after practice, 25 years ago today
- 10:59 PMYahoo Sports — Lessons from Korey Stringer's death led to cold water immersion tubs by every NFL practice field
"Korey Stringer's death from heat stroke in 2001 after he collapsed at practice with the Minnesota Vikings prompted many changes to safety protocols across all levels of sports. Almost an hour and a half passed from when Stringer exited a blocking drill during training camp and arrived by ambulance at a hospital with a core body temperature of 108.8 degrees Fahrenheit. About 15 hours after he collapsed, Stringer was pronounced dead, the only known NFL player to die from exertional heat stroke.
"As NFL teams continue through the early days of training camp, August 1 provides an annual reminder of the risks of intense football practice in high temperatures and humidity.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 1, 2026, 3:27 PMKorey Stringer died of heat-related illness after practice, 25 years ago today
As NFL teams continue through the early days of training camp, August 1 provides an annual reminder of the risks of intense football practice in high temperatures and humidity.
- Yahoo SportsJul 31, 2026, 10:59 PMLessons from Korey Stringer's death led to cold water immersion tubs by every NFL practice field
Korey Stringer's death from heat stroke in 2001 after he collapsed at practice with the Minnesota Vikings prompted many changes to safety protocols across all levels of sports. Almost an hour and a half passed from when Stringer exited a blocking drill during training camp and arrived by ambulance at a hospital with a core body temperature of 108.8 degrees Fahrenheit. About 15 hours after he collapsed, Stringer was pronounced dead, the only known NFL player to die from exertional heat stroke.
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