49ers QB reveals shocking truth behind NFC Championship game injury vs. Eagles

Josh Johnson suffered a double concussion and brain bleed in the 2022 NFC Championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Josh Johnson revealed that he suffered two concussions and a brain bleed during the team's 2022 NFC Championship game loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Johnson stayed in the game after the first concussion but was eventually pulled and sent to the locker room after the second concussion. He then nearly passed out in the shower a few days later, leading to the discovery of the brain bleed. Despite the severe injury, Johnson was able to recover and continue his NFL career.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious risks and long-term impacts that concussions can have on players, even veteran athletes like Johnson who had not previously suffered head injuries. It also raises questions about player safety protocols and whether more can be done to protect players from further harm after initial head injuries occur during games.

The details

Johnson revealed that he first suffered a concussion on his second play of the NFC Championship game when he was sacked by Haason Reddick. He stayed in the game but then suffered a second concussion in the third quarter after being hit by Ndamukong Suh. After failing concussion tests on the sideline, Johnson was sent to the locker room. A few days later, Johnson nearly passed out in the shower, leading to the discovery that he had suffered a brain bleed that had spread to his spine, leaving him unable to even touch his toes.

  • On his second play of the NFC Championship game, Johnson suffered his first concussion.
  • In the third quarter, Johnson suffered his second concussion.
  • A few days after the game, Johnson nearly passed out in the shower, leading to the discovery of his brain bleed.

The players

Josh Johnson

A veteran NFL quarterback who was the backup for the San Francisco 49ers in the 2022 season.

Haason Reddick

A defensive end for the Philadelphia Eagles who sacked Johnson, causing his first concussion.

Ndamukong Suh

A defensive tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles who hit Johnson, causing his second concussion.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Most people don't know that I was double-concussed in that game. I ended up with a brain bleed.”

— Josh Johnson, Former 49ers quarterback (Ross Tucker Podcast)

“We flew back from Philly, one of the worst flights of my life. I never felt as uncomfortable as I felt on that plane ride. Got back to San Fran, went home, did exit meetings the next day... then two days later, I almost passed out in the shower, and my wife called the team, and she was like 'something's not right.'”

— Josh Johnson, Former 49ers quarterback (Ross Tucker Podcast)

What’s next

Johnson was able to recover from the brain bleed and continue his NFL career, but the incident has raised further questions about player safety protocols and the long-term impacts of concussions.

The takeaway

This case highlights the serious risks that concussions pose to professional athletes, even experienced veterans like Johnson who had not previously suffered head injuries. It underscores the need for continued improvements in player safety and better monitoring of head injuries to protect players from potentially devastating long-term consequences.