Social media has been buzzing with claims that former Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs was injured in a car accident in Chicago — but reliable sources have since confirmed that these reports are entirely false.
The alarming rumor began spreading late Friday evening, alleging that Briggs had been struck by a distracted driver while walking with his family near Belmont Avenue and Western Avenue.
The fabricated story described a detailed scene involving emergency responders, police statements, and eyewitness accounts, all of which contributed to the illusion of credibility.
However, no official reports, statements, or credible news outlets have verified the occurrence of such an accident.
According to the viral post, the alleged accident happened around 8:30 p.m. on Chicago’s north side.
It claimed that a black SUV driven by a distracted motorist ran a red light and struck Briggs as he crossed the street with his wife and daughter.
The post even described emotional reactions from onlookers and stated that Briggs had been transported to Northwestern Memorial Hospital with “serious but stable” injuries.
The report continued by falsely attributing quotes to a police spokesperson who supposedly confirmed that the driver had been using her phone during the incident.
It also mentioned that authorities were preparing to press charges related to reckless driving and pedestrian endangerment — details that added further legitimacy to what turned out to be fictional content.
Within hours, fans, teammates, and members of the NFL community began expressing concern and sharing prayers for Briggs.
The hashtag #PrayForBriggs started trending across social media platforms, reflecting widespread belief in the false narrative.
One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “Lance is more than a football player — he’s part of Chicago’s heart. We’re all praying for him tonight.”
Even some former teammates, misled by the report, initially shared messages of support before realizing that the story was untrue.
However, no official record, police report, or credible media outlet supports the claim of an accident involving Briggs.
Authorities in Chicago have not reported any pedestrian accident matching the described circumstances.
This incident highlights how easily misinformation can circulate online, especially when it involves well-known public figures.
So, fans can rest assured that the beloved former linebacker remains in good health, despite the viral rumors suggesting otherwise.
