© Ezra Shaw / Staff
If there’s anyone who knows what it’s like to suffer an Achilles tear and go from their athletic peak, as one of the best players in the league, to a year-plus long recovery, it’s Richard Sherman. In November 2017, as a member of the Seattle Seahawks, Sherman ruptured his right Achilles tendon against the Arizona Cardinals. Before that point, Sherman had never missed a game.
While Kevin Durant didn’t have the impeccable health record that Sherman did before suffering a likely torn right Achilles in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, Durant prides himself on his durability, consistency and health, and had a solid health record for the majority of his career. Along with DeMarcus Cousins, who recovered from a torn left Achilles and a torn left quad in the playoffs, Durant can learn plenty from Sherman, who recovered and signed a 3-year, $27.15 million contract with the 49ers in 2018.
Sherman posted the message below on Twitter on Tuesday in an effort to encourage Durant, saying, “Respects the mans heart and sacrifice. Appreciate what he tried to do for his team. @KDTrey5 keep your head up brother! Takes a warrior to go out there knowing what you knew. #respect coming from someone who knows personally how that felt.”
Respects the mans heart and sacrifice. Appreciate what he tried to do for his team. @KDTrey5 keep your head up brother! Takes a warrior to go out there knowing what you knew. #respect coming from someone who knows personally how that felt.
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) June 11, 2019