Niners’ Reed considered retiring after 7 concussions
Jordan Reed didn’t play football in 2019.
And he thought about never playing football again.
On Sunday, the Pro Bowl tight end who signed with the 49ers on Aug. 9 acknowledged he considered retiring after sitting out last year with his seventh documented concussion.
Reed, 30, then with Washington, suffered his most recent concussion in a preseason game on Aug. 22, 2019. He reportedly was cleared from the concussion protocol on Feb. 19, nearly six months later.
Reed was asked Sunday if he was concerned about his longterm health.
“Before I made my decision (to play), I saw some professionals,” Reed said. “And I did my rehab. All the tests were clear. I’m healthy and I’m good to go.”
Reed suffered a concussion in each of his three seasons at Florida, the first in 2010. In the NFL, he also suffered concussions in 2013, as a rookie, and in 2015 and 2016. In 2013, he missed the season’s final seven games because his postconcussion symptoms persisted.
He missed at least 25 games because of concussions during
his first seven seasons with Washington, a stretch that included a 41681 record and no playoff victories.
The 49ers’ loss to the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV in February influenced Reed’s decision to keep playing.
“I definitely thought about hanging it up after last season,” Reed said. “But it was when I watched the Super Bowl is what really ignited me again. I want to play in those big games. God blessed me to be here and be a part of this great team. He gave me the opportunity to be in (this) situation. That’s what is driving me. I love the game of football. I still have the drive to keep playing.”
Reed, who spoke with reporters for less than seven minutes, didn’t discuss specifics about the months after last year’s concussion and his decision to keep playing.
In 2016, Reed spoke with the New York Times for a story about his concussion history. That season, Reed reportedly hid chronic headaches from the training staff before he reported his symptoms. The headline of the Times story: “Six concussions later, Jordan Reed fears heartache of losing football.”
“I have faith in God and I pray,” Reed said in the article. “But just because you have a few concussions, doesn’t mean it’s going to cause brain damage. I could have CTE just from playing in high school.”
Reed also explained what motivated him to keep playing.
“My whole goal in life was to take care of my mom,” Reed said. “And now I have a little girl myself, so I play football to take care of my family and my daughter. That’s just what I do.”
Reed, who has earned $32.4 million in his career, according to OverTheCap.com, reportedly signed an incentiveheavy, oneyear contract with the 49ers that includes a $1.05 million base salary.
The 49ers’ lowrisk investment could pay significant dividends — if Reed can stay healthy: He’s missed 47 of 112 games in his career, also missing time with injuries to his hamstring, shoulder, chest and toe.
In a nod to his medical file and season away from the game, the 49ers have eased Reed back into action. He didn’t make his trainingcamp debut until Tuesday, when the team held its ninth practice, and he’s taken limited snaps in team drills.
In his most extensive action, in scrimmagelike conditions Friday at Levi’s Stadium, Reed caught five of the seven passes on which he was targeted for 43 yards and grabbed a 5yard touchdown throw from Jimmy Garoppolo on 3rdandgoal.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan was Reed’s offensive coordinator in 2013, but Reed said his system has changed significantly.
“I’m adjusting well to it,” Reed said. “Kyle’s offense is very complex. I learn best with reps and they’ve been giving me more reps lately, so I’m starting to pick up on it.”
Last year, early in training camp, thenWashington coach Jay Gruden said Reed was in peak form.
“He’s always looked good to me,” Gruden said, “but he looks phenomenal right now.”
In his limited practice action with the 49ers, Reed has shown his skills haven’t diminished. At 6foot2 and 242 pounds, he’s a terrific routerunner and fluid athlete. Last week, Reed looked spectacular in oneonone drills, catching passes on all six of his routes and beating the coverage of starting strong safety Jaquiski Tartt on four of his receptions.
The 49ers are intrigued by the chance to pair Reed with AllPro tight end George Kittle. In 2016, Reed caught his 200th pass in his 38th career game, become the fastest tight end to reach the milestone in NFL history. Kittle has the most receiving yards (2,945) by a tight end after his third season in league history.
Reed has averaged 5.1 catches and 51.9 yards in the 65 games he’s played, which translates to an 81catch, 829yard season.
“Shanahan said he’s the best routerunning tight end he’s ever had,” Kittle said earlier this month. “So I’ve watched a lot of Jordan Reed tape. The fact that I get to share a room with him now is amazing.”
Reed had three straight 50catch seasons (201416), a stretch headlined by an 87catch, 952yard, 11touchdown campaign in 2015.
Reed raved Sunday about the “upbeat and positive” culture with the 49ers, noting it contrasted with the vibe in Washington. The game has exacted a toll, but in some ways, he said, he’s never felt better.
“This is the most fun I’ve had playing football ever, honest,” Reed said. “I don’t know if it’s because I didn’t play all season last year or what. Since I’ve been out there I’ve been having a blast and I’ve just been really grateful.”