'How Scary It Is': Kyle Shanahan Shares New Perspective on Player Concussions
Following a harrowing car accident, the 49ers head coach details his grueling recovery and how personal trauma reshaped his empathy for players navigating the league's concussion protocol.
Video Transcript
Head coach Kyle Shanahan had a daunting list of physical injuries from his July 14th car accident.
He sustained a broken nose, broken ribs, and a broken hand.
The crash also required that he received 40 stitches in his face and left him dealing with a severe concussion.
The lingering side effects of the head injury have slowed Shanahan down during the early portion of training camp.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday for the first time since the accident, Shanahan stepped up to the podium with visible brui- bruising near his nose and a familiar off-season mustache.
More importantly, he spoke clearly and delivered promising news that he feels near full strength and plans to be on the sidelines with the 49ers to host the Tennessee Titans on Thursday's opener.
During the session, Shanahan reflected on how the ordeal shaped his understanding of he- head injuries and players' recovery time, saying, "I've been told so much by these guys, 'Don't compare a sports concussion to an accident like this.'
I'm starting to realize that now, just little things like when they label things, like whether it's severe or mild.
You hear someone has a mild one, I'm like, 'Oh, all right.
It might just be one game,' but usually that's two.
Then you kinda learn those are just words.
Each one's a little bit different.
I definitely relate to how scary it is when you don't know if you will feel right again.
Definitely made me more educated on it.
Usually, I just listen and like, 'Tell me when.'
'Okay.'
And I move on, but I understand it a lot better and what guys got to go through and the protocol to get back."
NFL head coaches don't fall under formal concussion protocols like active roster players, but Shanahan chose a disciplined, cautious path towards his return.
He said, "There's not a protocol for me on paper, but it r- it's really cool to be in a profession that knows what to do with these things.
All the people that I need help from, it was already built in here.
They've got a lot of experience with it, and it's been really good for me."
While residual fatigue and minor headaches still flare up on occasion, Shanahan expressed complete confidence that he's over the hump, saying, "I can't tell you guys how close it is.
I'm getting there.
There's no doubt I will be there.
From what I do with the team, I kind of already feel there."
