The San Francisco 49ers’ turbulent quarterback situation was a major storyline in the 2022 NFC Championship Game, but the full extent of the injury crisis was not widely known at the time—especially regarding backup quarterback Josh Johnson. Years later, Johnson revealed that he suffered two concussions and a brain bleed during that game.
Speaking on the Ross Tucker Podcast, Johnson explained that many people were unaware he had been “double-concussed” in the matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. He described how edge rusher Haason Reddick came off the edge on a play-action pass and delivered a hit that drove his head into the ground. Johnson said he lost the ball on the play and, at the time, did not realize he had sustained a concussion because he had never experienced one before. Instead, he felt disoriented and mentally detached, describing the sensation as not feeling fully present.
During the 2022 season, Johnson had been serving as a backup under head coach Kyle Shanahan. Rookie quarterback Brock Purdy had already become the team’s third starter of the year following injuries to Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo. Despite the instability at quarterback, the 49ers managed a deep playoff run.
In the NFC Championship Game, Purdy suffered a torn UCL in his elbow after a hit from Reddick and later required surgery. That injury forced Johnson into action during one of the most significant games of his career. However, after the initial hit that caused his first concussion, Johnson remained in the game because he did not recognize the symptoms. He later learned that the injury primarily affected the processing functions of his brain rather than his memory.
As the game continued, veteran defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh delivered another heavy blow. Johnson said that after the second hit, a referee informed him that he had stumbled while getting up—something he did not recall. He was evaluated in the medical tent, failed the concussion protocol, and was ruled out for the remainder of the game.
What initially appeared to be a difficult playoff loss soon became a serious medical situation. In the days following the defeat, Johnson’s condition worsened. While in the locker room after the game, he felt nauseated and nearly vomited. The return flight home was extremely uncomfortable; bright lights bothered him, and routine movement felt abnormal.
Two days later, he nearly lost consciousness while showering at home, which alarmed his family. His wife contacted the team medical staff out of concern. An MRI eventually revealed that Johnson had suffered a brain bleed in addition to the two concussions.
The diagnosis cast doubt on his NFL future. Just days earlier, he had been competing at the highest level of professional football; now, he struggled with basic physical tasks. Johnson began intensive rehabilitation with the 49ers’ medical team and also worked closely with brain health specialist Sergio Asellino in San Francisco. Although doctors warned that recovery could take up to six months, Johnson managed to heal in about three.
After his recovery, the Baltimore Ravens signed him, giving him another opportunity to continue his career. He also switched to a different helmet model as a precaution.
Originally entering the league in 2009, Johnson has since played for multiple franchises. He is currently with the Washington Commanders, marking his eighth NFL team. What was once viewed as a tough playoff defeat ultimately became a life-altering health scare, underscoring both the physical risks of the sport and the resilience required to return from such a serious setback.