The NFL has long said that this would be its worst nightmare if it happened on one of their fields, as tragedy stuck upstate New York last week after a high school football player died after taking a helmet-to-helmet hit in a game.

According to SI.com, The Buffalo News previously reported that 16-year-old high school player Damon Janes died in an area hospital following a head collision in a game last week. The report says that Janes was knocked unconscious by the hit while playing a game for the Westfield/Brocton High team and he later died at the Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo on Monday.

The tragedy is a big deal in the sport of football and the family of the victim released a statement to thank everyone that has sent their wishes and prayers to them. SI.com reports that the case is not the first time that this has happened over the summer, as another player in Georgia died after suffering a fracture in his back in Georgia.

Statement from the family: "Damon W. Janes, 16, a Junior who attended Brocton Central School, lost his fight and went to be with the Lord following his injury resulting from helmet-to-helmet collision during a Westfield/Brocton varsity football game. His parents wish to express their gratitude to those who have supported and prayed for Damon and his family, and continue to request that their privacy be respected at this time."