Browns TE David Njoku reveals he burned 17 percent of his body in accident

In an Instagram post published by David Njoku with the Cleveland Browns, he described the harrowing night in September that left him with severe burns on 17 percent of his body. The tight end said he started a fire and used spray to absorb the logs. When Njoku tried to light the fire, particles from the spray flew around the fire and burned the lit area.

“I saw fire coming out of my wrist and reaching my face,” Njoku said. Dr. Joseph Khoury of University Hospitals treated Njoku the next morning when Njoku reported his burns to his team. “We diagnosed it as a partial-thickness second-degree burn, about 17 to 18 percent of the total body surface area,” Hori said.

Khouri suggested Njoku sit out against the Crows, but Njoku refused medical advice and described the games against the Crows as “personal”. Njoku had six receptions for 48 yards against opponents. He’s proven to be a reliable safety blanket for rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who is making his NFL debut.

David Njoku partnered with the American Burn Association for the NFL My Cause My Cleats program. On Sunday, Njoku will wear purple and green boots emblazoned with the association’s name and there will be photographs of Njoku wearing a mask as the players walk.