In January, a near-record cold playoff game in Kansas City resulted in multiple attendees suffering from frostbite, with some individuals needing amputations, according to a statement from Research Medical Center in Missouri. The hospital did not provide specific numbers but mentioned that it treated dozens of frostbite cases, with twelve individuals requiring amputations, mostly involving fingers and toes. The University of Kansas hospital also treated frostbite victims from the game, but did not report any amputations.
The Chiefs playoff game against the Dolphins on January 13 saw temperatures drop to minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit, with wind gusts creating a windchill of minus 27 degrees F, breaking the record for the coldest game at Arrowhead Stadium. Despite the extreme weather conditions, the game proceeded as scheduled unlike the Buffalo Bills vs Pittsburgh Steelers game, which was postponed due to a blizzard in New York.
Dr. Megan Garcia from Research Medical Center highlighted the dangers of frostbite, stating that it can occur within 30 minutes on exposed skin, with even shorter timing if there is a windchill factor. Fans attending the game were allowed to bring heated blankets and cardboard to place under their feet to combat the cold.
The coldest game in NFL history remains the 1967 NFL championship game known as the Ice Bowl, where the Packers beat the Cowboys in minus 13 F weather with a windchill of minus 48 F. The Chiefs did not respond to requests for comments on the incident.
It is a reminder of the extreme conditions that fans and players face during cold-weather games in the NFL, with precautions needing to be taken to prevent serious injuries such as frostbite.