He Knew Something Was Wrong: Brannon Snead on Injury, Instinct, and Speaking Up

Something’s Wrong with My Elbow”: When Pitchers Have to Speak Up

📌 “It felt like a rope unraveling inside my elbow—and I knew I was done.”

Have you ever felt something was off in your arm—but weren’t sure if it was serious? Did you speak up or try to push through it? What happened next? Drop your story in the comments. You might help another athlete make the right call.

When Pain Isn’t Just Soreness

For Brannon Snead, a former college pitcher, the warning sign wasn’t a dramatic pop—it was a subtle, unfamiliar sensation:

“I was in the bullpen with Coach McCloud. I threw a pitch and it didn’t feel right. Then I threw another—and it was three or four feet outside. That’s not me.”

He didn’t wait. He spoke up.

Despite pressure to push through, Brannon stepped off the mound and said, “Something’s wrong.”

“I’ve Never Been Hurt Before”

Up to that moment, Brannon had never dealt with injury or even lingering soreness. He built his identity around durability and control.

“To now be told I had a tear—it hit hard. I’d never had pain. Never had to stop. And now I had to face it.”

What followed was a referral to one of the best in the business: Dr. Steve Jordan, a renowned orthopedic surgeon whose reputation spans from college athletes to the pros.

When Athletes Trust Their Gut

Brannon’s story is a powerful reminder: when something feels off, listen.
He could’ve easily thrown a few more pitches.
He could’ve said nothing.
But that silence could have cost him a season—or worse.

Instead, his instincts led him to help, healing, and clarity.

Key Takeaways

✅ Sudden loss of command is a major red flag
✅ Pitchers must know the difference between soreness and serious pain
✅ Speaking up early can prevent long-term damage
✅ Injury shakes identity—especially for athletes who’ve never been hurt
✅ Recovery is more than physical—it’s emotional and mental, too

How Sore to Soaring Helps Athletes Recover Smarter

At Sore to Soaring, we teach athletes to train, compete, and recover with purpose. Through programs like the SOS System and Recovery Triad, we help athletes:

– Self-monitor pain and performance
– Understand when to push and when to pause
– Build communication skills that protect their health
– Navigate injury setbacks with guidance and support

We don’t just build stronger arms—we build smarter athletes.

🌍 Support our mission at:
👉 www.SoreToSoaring.org

📺 Watch Brannon Snead’s injury story on YouTube:
👉 https://youtu.be/DeRstECnsQ8

⚠️ Disclaimer:

This episode is for informational purposes only. Any mention of a company, product, or business does not constitute an endorsement by Sore to Soaring. Always consult with a qualified physician or healthcare professional before beginning any training program, implementing injury prevention techniques, or making medical decisions related to your health or performance.

Have You Ever Felt Something Was Off?

Tell us: Have you ever pushed through pain you shouldn’t have—or made the right call like Brannon?
Drop your story in the comments. You might help another athlete make the right choice too.

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