CONCORD, N.C. – Thursday afternoon, Dale Earnhardt Jr. participated in a cause close to his heart.
The driver of the No. 88 Chevrolet SS traveled to Heinz Field, the home of the Pittsburgh Steelers, to take part in the second Concussion Symposium. There, he joined speakers including Dr. Micky Collins -- medical director of the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program in Pittsburgh -- who officially cleared Earnhardt to resume NASCAR competition back in December.
He spoke to a crowd that saw 72 Pittsburgh area high schools represented, including coaches, athletic trainers and athletic directors.
Earnhardt was candid about his concussion and subsequent recovery in 2016, as well as his previous concussion in 2012 that sidelined him for multiple races.
Afterward, he also participated in a Facebook Live panel, hosted by ESPN’s Hannah Storm, to share more about his experience.
He discussed working with Dr. Collins back in 2012 and again last year, and how different the rehabilitation was even in that short period of time.
“With what they’ve learned since 2012, the treatment that I saw this particular time was even more robust,” Earnhardt said. “They got me straightened out, I got married in the offseason, which was great, and I was healthy and clear and able to enjoy that experience and now I’m back in the car for the 2017 season having the time of my life.”
Watch the full Facebook Live below. The panel begins at approximately the 6:15 mark.