After lessons from Kobe Bryant, Richard Sherman cleared and ready to return from injury
It’s hard to imagine how a torn Achilles tendon can be a positive development for a 30-year-old cornerback, but that’s how Richard Sherman is choosing to view the injury that ended his final season with the Seattle Seahawks last November.
In the months since Sherman underwent his initial surgery to repair his torn right Achilles, he had a separate surgery on his left Achilles tendon, was released by the Seahawks, the team for which he starred for seven years, and signed with the NFC West rival San Francisco 49ers.
On Wednesday, the Niners announced that Sherman has passed his physical and will be allowed to practice on Thursday. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said Sherman’s work load will be monitored, and the veteran cornerback will have frequent scheduled off days.
“I felt like it needed to happen, allowed me at this point in my career to find another level,” Sherman said Wednesday.
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Sherman consulted with former Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant in the days after he first tore his Achilles, and they stayed in touch throughout the rehab process. Bryant tore his Achilles tendon in April 2013, returned to practice after seven months and was fully back in action after eight months.
Sherman said the injury afforded him time to spend with his 3-year-old son and 2-year-old daughter, and gave him added motivation as he moves into this new phase of his career.
“I don’t want to say you get complacent. But you get bored. It’s a routine," Sherman said. "You go out there play 16 games, play at a high level, you enjoy it, but sometimes throwing a wrench in there helps you."
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