Imagine a mud pit, a brutal "Murder Ball" challenge, and a retired NFL player pushing his body to the absolute brink after years away from the game. That's exactly where Eric Decker found himself on Fox's grueling reality series, setting off a chain of events that saw not just him, but several other celebrities, exiting the competition due to injury or extraordinary circumstances.

TL;DR: The Latest on 'Special Forces'

  • Former NFL star Eric Decker was medically withdrawn from 'Special Forces: World's Toughest Test' on Day 6 due to a severe hip injury sustained during the "Murder Ball" challenge.
  • His wife, country music artist Jessie James Decker, made the immediate and personal choice to voluntarily withdraw with him, emphasizing their "ride-or-die" bond.
  • Two more recruits, Mark Estes and Olympic champion Christie Pearce Rampone, were also medically withdrawn on Day 7 due to serious ear and chest infections, respectively, highlighting the intense physical toll of the course.

The Brutality of the 'Murder Ball' Challenge Claims Its First High-Profile Victim

On Day 6 of Special Forces: World's Toughest Test, the remaining ten celebrities faced "Murder Ball," a challenge designed to test their determination and grit in a muddy pit. For Eric Decker, who retired from the NFL in 2018, it was a chance to relive the physical intensity he'd missed. His wife, Jessie James Decker, even noted in a confessional, "Eric hasn't had this kind of physical challenge since he's played football. I want him to have that time again."

He certainly got it. After battling it out with costars like Andrew East, Randall Cobb, Mark Estes, and Kody Brown, Eric injured his back. He described feeling like he "popped" something and could barely walk back to basecamp, enduring painful back spasms. Despite the agony, his determination was fierce. "I'm gonna push myself 'til exhaustion," he declared. "My attitude and determination, I feel like, will push me through. I know it's going to be difficult. I'm gonna do it until my body says 'no.'"

From Gridiron Glory to a New Chapter, But the Drive Remained

Eric's journey to Special Forces wasn't just about physical challenge; it was deeply personal. He'd spoken candidly on the show about struggling with "depression and anxiety" after his NFL retirement, admitting, "Football was my life and I'm concerned I've lost that fire within me. Maybe I'm just not tough enough." Source: [Us Weekly, "Eric Decker Admits He Suffered From 'Depression, Anxiety' After NFL Retirement," October 30, 2025]. He saw the show as a way to push himself harder than ever before, despite acknowledging his current role as a dedicated father of four and a "sugar mama" to his wife's career. Source: [Us Weekly, "Eric Decker Admits He Suffered From 'Depression, Anxiety' After NFL Retirement," October 30, 2025].

Unfortunately, his body did say "no." Dr. Andy Brown delivered the tough news, stating, "I'm concerned we can't inflict any more punishment on your hip. I don't think that we can really safely let you carry on." With that, Eric was medically withdrawn on Day 6. True to his word, he stated, "I don't consider myself a quitter," a sentiment that resonated with his desire to redefine his strength post-NFL.

A Wife's Unwavering Support: "We Ride Together, We Fly Together"

When Eric delivered the news of his withdrawal to Jessie, her response was immediate and unequivocal: "I'm going with you." The country music artist didn't hesitate, choosing to voluntarily withdraw herself to return home and support her injured husband. Holding hands, they exited the camp together, Jessie lovingly declaring, "We ride together, we fly together."

Jessie's own journey on Special Forces was fueled by a deep family legacy. She proudly identifies as a "military brat," with both her father and stepfather having served in the Army and Air Force. She recalled her brother's words to her before the show: "They were warriors...you have that in your blood...channel that warrior inside of you and just do it." Source: [Fox News Digital, "Country Singer Calls Herself a Proud 'Military Brat'—Here's Why," November 3, 2025]. This heritage helped her push through her own near-nose-break injury during a backward fall into water and left her with a profound appreciation for civilian life, vowing, "I will never complain again." Source: [Fox News Digital, "Country Singer Calls Herself a Proud 'Military Brat'—Here's Why," November 3, 2025].

"She is really tough. She has a lot of grit. It kind of showed me a lot of her personality. I knew that she was capable of doing it."

— Eric Decker on Jessie James Decker's performance, Us Weekly (September 2025)

The Growing List of Medically Withdrawn and Voluntarily Exiting Recruits

The Deckers were far from the only stars to face an early exit. The show's brutal demands have led to a significant number of withdrawals this season. Jussie Smollett, for instance, was medically released on Day 3 due to a lung infection. Johnny Manziel quit on Day 4, confronting a new fear of claustrophobia during a challenge. Even Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson East revealed feeling lost after her retirement, echoing Eric's sentiments about identity.

The medical team has been busy. Just one day after the Deckers' exit, Day 7 saw two more recruits medically withdrawn. Internet personality Mark Estes had to leave due to a painful, swollen ear infection that carried a risk of "long-term disfigurement." World Cup and Olympic Soccer Champion Christie Pearce Rampone was also discharged after struggling with breathing and a severe chest infection, with doctors noting a tight chest and "crackles in her lungs." Source: [Reality Tea, "Mark Estes and Christie Pearce Rampone had to exit Special Forces due to injury," November 7, 2025].

This season has seen a notably higher rate of medical withdrawals compared to previous seasons. For reference, Season 4 has already seen at least five medically withdrawn celebrities (Jussie Smollett, Eric Decker, Mark Estes, Christie Pearce Rampone, Eva Marcille) by Day 7, while Season 3 had five in total and Season 2 had only one. Source: [Decider, "Who Quit Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test In Episode 7 (11/6)?", November 7, 2025].

The sheer physical toll is immense. While the show is designed for dramatic entertainment, the medical assessments for injuries like a chest infection or severe ear swelling are undeniable. These aren't minor complaints; they represent genuine health risks that the production team and medical staff take seriously.

Understanding the Complexities of Elite Challenges and Personal Journeys

It's easy to view a show like Special Forces as purely a test of physical strength, but it's clearly much more. Celebrities enter with varying levels of fitness, prior injuries, and deeply personal motivations, which all impact their journey. For someone like Eric Decker, it was about proving something to himself after a difficult transition from his professional career. For Jessie, it was about honoring her family's military legacy and providing unwavering support to her husband.

For example: Think about a dedicated marathon runner who trains for months, pushing their body through countless miles, only to suffer an unexpected stress fracture just weeks before race day. They might have the mental fortitude to push through discomfort, but a medical professional's intervention is crucial to prevent permanent damage. This mirrors the choices faced by the recruits on Special Forces, where personal drive clashes with physical limits and professional medical advice, leading to difficult but necessary withdrawals.

Of course, it's worth noting that reality television thrives on drama and heightened emotions. Producers certainly select participants and edit footage to emphasize struggle and conflict, potentially making the experience appear even more arduous. However, the consistent pattern of medically mandated exits and the very real physical symptoms reported by the celebrities underscore that the "toughest test" isn't just a catchy title—it's a brutal reality.

Who's Still Pushing Through the 'World's Toughest Test'?

Despite the cascade of exits, a determined group of recruits remains. As of Day 7, the celebrities still fighting to make it to the end of the training include Gia Giudice, Shawn Johnson East, Andrew East, Kody Brown, Brianna LaPaglia, and Randall Cobb. They're facing continued challenges, from hostage rescues to grueling obstacle courses, proving that the mental game is just as critical as physical endurance.

Practical Takeaways from the 'Special Forces' Experience

  • Listen to Your Body: Even the most determined individuals need to recognize when a medical professional advises stopping to prevent serious, long-term injury.
  • Support Systems Matter: Jessie James Decker's immediate decision to leave with Eric highlights the invaluable role of partners and emotional support during extreme challenges.
  • Identity Beyond the Game: Eric Decker's story reminds us that athletes, and anyone transitioning from a core life role, often face mental health struggles and a need to redefine themselves.
  • Appreciate the Comforts: Jessie James Decker's reflection on the military's sacrifices in comparison to daily complaints is a powerful reminder of global disparities and gratitude.
  • Grit Isn't Always Enough: While determination is crucial, some challenges simply exceed safe physical limits, demanding a different kind of strength—the strength to know when to step back.

FAQ: All You Need to Know About 'Special Forces: World's Toughest Test'

When does 'Special Forces: World's Toughest Test' air? The show airs on Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Fox. Where can I stream 'Special Forces: World's Toughest Test'? New episodes are available Friday mornings on Hulu. You can also stream live with subscriptions to platforms like Fubo, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV. FOX One also offers a one-week free trial. What is the premise of 'Special Forces: World's Toughest Test'? Celebrities undergo a series of harsh, military-style training tasks designed to replicate the actual United States Special Forces selection course, pushing their physical and mental limits. Where is 'Special Forces: World's Toughest Test' filmed? The series is filmed in Morocco, adding to the challenging environment.

Sources

  • Us Weekly, "Eric Decker Admits He Suffered From 'Depression, Anxiety' After NFL Retirement," October 30, 2025.
  • Fox News Digital, "Country Singer Calls Herself a Proud 'Military Brat'—Here's Why," November 3, 2025.
  • Reality Tea, "Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test Stars Exit After Brutal Injuries," November 7, 2025.
  • Decider, "Who Quit Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test In Episode 7 (11/6)?", November 7, 2025.
  • Us Weekly, "Jessie James Decker and Eric Decker Reveal Why They Joined 'Special Forces' Together," September 13, 2025.