After suffering his seventh documented concussion during the 2019 preseason, San Francisco 49ers tight end Jordan Reed thought about retirement. But it was a certain game in Miami this past February that caused him to reconsider.
“…I definitely thought about hanging it up on the after last season, but…it was when I saw the Super Bowl that really kind of ignited me again and just I want to play in those big games,” Reed said on a Zoom call with the media. “God blessed me to be here and a part of this great team and gave me the opportunity to be in that situation. So yeah, that’s what’s driving me and I love the game of football and I still got the drive to keep playing so.”
That being said, there were some things Reed had to do before making the decision to step back on the field.
“Before I made my choice, I went out and I’ve seen some professionals and I did my rehab and all tests where clearing,” Reed said. “I’m healthy and I’m good to go.”
Reed comes to Santa Clara after spending his career up to this point with the Washington Football Team, so the change in scenery, and in team culture, has been a welcome one.
“…[I]t’s been just the most fun I’ve had playing football ever honestly,” Reed said. “I don’t know if it’s because I didn’t play all season last year or what, but since I’ve been out there, I’ve just been having a blast and I’ve just been really grateful.”
Reed spent his rookie year in Washington with 49ers’ head coach Kyle Shanahan as his offensive coordinator, and though he says the offense is “similar” to what it was then, there’s still a lot of learning to do.
“I’m adjusting well to it,” Reed said. Kyle’s offense is very complex, so I learn best with reps, and they’ve been getting me more reps lately, so I’m starting to pick up on it, day-by-day.”
The 49ers have been cautious with Reed, and the tight end has no issue with that.
“I feel the way they handle things here is very professional,” Reed said. “They treat us like professional athletes and they just want the best for us. So I really appreciate how they let me come along and now I’m feeling great. And I’m looking forward to the season.”
