Koby Stevens on 15 Concussions Into Forced Retirement

Description

Former AFL midfielder Koby Stevens opens up like never before on The Howie Games. In this powerful and deeply honest episode, Koby Stevens sits down with Howie to share his full story, from growing up in country Victoria and living his AFL dream with West Coast, the Western Bulldogs and St Kilda, to suffering 15+ concussions, a forced medical retirement, and a battle that nearly broke him. Koby also details the five-year filmmaking journey behind his upcoming documentary, a globally focused film exploring concussion, brain health, neuroplasticity and recovery. Featuring world-leading experts, elite athletes and groundbreaking treatments, this film could change the way we understand brain injury forever. This is not an anti-football conversation.This is a story about love of the game, responsibility, recovery, and hope. Content Warning: This episode discusses concussion, mental health struggles and suicidal ideation. Viewer discretion advised. 00:00 Why This Episode Matters 02:00 Loving Footy While Talking About Concussion 05:25 Early Injuries & First Head Knocks 10:00 Junior Footy Culture & “Put Your Head Over It” 15:10 AFL Debut: Knocked Out in 5 Minutes 17:00 15+ Concussions & Chronic Headaches 22:05 Painkillers, Broken Body & Pushing Through 24:50 Move to St Kilda & Nearly Dying from Salmonella 26:10 The Hit That Changed Everything 31:40 Post-Concussion Hell: Anxiety, Insomnia & Passing Out 34:30 Media Exposure & Forced Retirement 39:45 Losing Identity After Footy 42:50 Rock Bottom & Isolation 44:10 Finding Answers Outside Traditional Medicine 49:30 The Birth of the Thrive Documentary 57:30 Treatments That Helped 01:04:00 What Daily Recovery Looks Like Now 01:09:00 Advice for Athletes & Parents 01:13:50 Would He Still Play AFL? 01:18:15 The Fight to Finish the Film 01:25:20 – Final Message to Anyone Struggling