Injured Everett battles for life

Everett was just beginning his second season in the NFL

Buffalo tight end Kevin Everett remains in a life-threatening condition after being seriously injured against Denver.

He underwent spinal surgery following Sunday's game, but surgeon Dr Andrew Cappuccino told the Bills website: "We are still gravely concerned."

Everett, 25, was hurt making a routine second-half tackle. When he left the field he could only move his eyes.

Although the surgery was a success, his chances of a full neurological recovery are thought to be less than 10%.

After his emergency operation, he was put on a respirator in a drug-induced state.

Everett sustained his injury while driving in to tackle the Broncos' Domenik Hixon during the second half-opening kick-off.

He dropped face first to the ground after his helmet hit Hixon high on the left shoulder and side of the helmet.

TV replays showed the player twitching for a few seconds as he attempted to get up before falling back to the ground.

He showed no further signs of movement during the next 15 minutes as the Bills medical staff and emergency personnel attended him.