The San Francisco 49ers invested a sixth round pick in running back Kelvin Taylor earlier this year. Taylor had breakout year in 2015, rushing for 1,035 yards and 13 touchdowns. He did not play in the 49ers third preseason game, so we’ll have to wait and see if they are planning on stashing him on the practice squad, or if he gets a big workload on Thursday.
Taylor is notable for his own college career, but it is also worth noting he is the son of famed Jacksonville Jaguars running back Fred Taylor. Throughout his career, Taylor developed a reputation as being injury-prone, with the nickname “Fragile Freddy” bestowed upon him at times.
It’s easy for us to call someone fragile in a sport like football, but on Wednesday, the running back ranked No. 16 all-time in rushing yards went off about injuries. He pointed to the NFL doctors overlooking injuries, and the things he went through in a recent physical examination. It’s an interesting read into what NFL players deal with on the field, and long after they re out of the game. I do wonder what he has had to say to his son now that Kelvin is in the NFL.
Here is Fred’s string of tweets.
Visited Chicago last week for full Ortho exam. Took 11 MRIs and 12 X-rays. Got results yesterday. Somehow I played career with fractured->
— Fred Taylor (@FredTaylorMade) August 31, 2016
clavicle, 2 partially torn labrum, one in each shoulder. I'm Appalled! I was never told this as a player. Oversight? Or BS!
— Fred Taylor (@FredTaylorMade) August 31, 2016
I've always gotten a sensation n my shoulders but I though it was fatigue. All these years have passd and now I discover my shoulders jackd
— Fred Taylor (@FredTaylorMade) August 31, 2016
Even through all the injuries and the lingering injuries, somehow The league still manage to deny my "Line of Duty" benefit 3 times.
— Fred Taylor (@FredTaylorMade) August 31, 2016
Seems the "neutral doctors" we are referred to by the league overlooked the injuries and issues I currently deal with. Nice job guys
— Fred Taylor (@FredTaylorMade) August 31, 2016
I never complain as a player or now. This is enlightening people like u to what we deal with. The shady practices https://t.co/fUKsCToKHw
— Fred Taylor (@FredTaylorMade) August 31, 2016
You've never heard of me in the media complaining. Have you? I'm sharing my story. Never complaining. https://t.co/fUKsCToKHw
— Fred Taylor (@FredTaylorMade) August 31, 2016
This isn't a pity party. Just sharing part of the business with you all. I've always been a TOUGH mutha*** you play hard injuries happen
— Fred Taylor (@FredTaylorMade) August 31, 2016
I agree but it's only 5 years max, post retirement. https://t.co/e7fjOcvubP
— Fred Taylor (@FredTaylorMade) August 31, 2016
Hahaha yes sir https://t.co/qPkB2RQYLx
— Fred Taylor (@FredTaylorMade) August 31, 2016
Sorry to hear that. What a shame https://t.co/i8hG67BnDF
— Fred Taylor (@FredTaylorMade) August 31, 2016
Thank you https://t.co/viF1hYmx4a
— Fred Taylor (@FredTaylorMade) August 31, 2016
They gave me this stupid nickname "fragile Freddy" after I had TORN my groin off the bone. Somehow it 2 was diagnosed as a minor strain
— Fred Taylor (@FredTaylorMade) August 31, 2016
I didn't complain or make an excuse to the media. I kept smiling, kept my cool, fought back and finished Top 15th rusher all-time.
— Fred Taylor (@FredTaylorMade) August 31, 2016
In the case of my shoulders it was all in-house. The benefits referrals r chosen by the league yet called "neutral" https://t.co/kPDezxpgVZ
— Fred Taylor (@FredTaylorMade) August 31, 2016
The doctors are in their system. Not the plan. In order to achieve the benefit those doctors would pass or fail you https://t.co/gJ0UkuWRgv
— Fred Taylor (@FredTaylorMade) August 31, 2016
Basically...or if you have sustained a partial disability level. Very low percentage https://t.co/TKP9DkFTv1
— Fred Taylor (@FredTaylorMade) August 31, 2016