A protection circuit protects a receiver from high-energy signals. In one exemplary embodiment, the protection circuit comprises a snapback transistor and a controller. The snapback transistor comprises a gate, a drain connected to an input of the receiver and a source connected to ground. The controller configured to connect the gate to a bias voltage to close the gate in a transmit mode, and to disconnect the gate from the bias voltage to open the gate in a receive mode. The snapback transistor is configured to enter into snapback responsive to a high energy signal at the drain to provide a current path from the drain to the source even when the gate is open and thus protect the receiver.