Former Chargers Linebacker Steve Foley, Shot by Off-Duty Cop, Settles for $5.5 Million

One of the few benefits to getting shot by an off-duty cop? Assuming you survive, there's a chance to make a little coin via litigation. In the case of Steve Foley, whose NFL career was abruptly ended when he was shot twice (in the knee and the hip) by Coronado police officer Aaron Mansker, it comes in the form of 5.5 million big ones.

San Diego Union-Tribune reports that Foley settled his civil lawsuit against the city and Mansker last week for $5.5 million. The suit stemmed from a Sept. 3, 2006 incident in which Mansker, who suspected Foley was driving drunk, ended up putting two bullets in the former Chargers linebacker.

Of course, no amount of money will give Foley the chance to play in the NFL again, and his lawyer confirms as much (as he collects his fee):

"There's really no way to be happy with any resolution in this case," [Jordan] Cohen said. "It wasn't about money. I think Steve wanted to have certain vindication of having Officer Mansker on the stand and the truth come out about that night. "Significant violation of policy and procedure were made," he said.

According to the trial testimony, Foley has since undergone 12 surgeries, has difficulty walking, and suffers pain from nerve damage resulting from the shooting.

And while this is an unbelievably sad ending to a solid NFL career, there is something to be said for not driving drunk. Now, though, Foley can devote more time to his new hobby: raising pit bulls.