Dale Earnhardt Jr on relationship with his dad, concussions, racing and therapy | Full Interview

Our full interview with Dale Earnhardt Jr is now available!
Graham travels to North Carolina to the home of Dale Earnhardt Jr for the NASCAR icon’s first extensive interview about the numerous concussions that forced his early retirement. Dale Jr. candidly shares why he kept concussion symptoms a secret for so long and the intense rehab endured alongside his wife Amy to return to the track for a final season. Episode debuted nationwide in 2018.
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[@susiegriffin3316]

I appreciate his humility, vulnerability, and taking accountability and responsibility. He seems to be a genuinely considerate human.

[@justingrabowski8142]

I always felt that way about him; if there was a way to elevate my level of respect for him any higher after this interview…

[@mrobinson7027]

​

[@happylife1080]

I met Dale a couple years ago while my child was staying at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. He was just as genuine and gracious then as he was in this interview. Still touches my heart.

[@Reviewsbykodywest]

I met him back in 2005 when he was promoting the national guard car. I had a similar experience. He even invited me to his house.

[@garysuper5338]

I don’t know how Dale held it together during this, but his transparency, and his honesty are a example that would make the world a better place to live.

[@mitchconner2021]

Dale Jr deserves alot of respect. Alot of people like him won't be open about stuff the way he is.

[@ronbranum7241]

The more he shares the more I admire this man. I have been a fan since his grand national days

[@gamjammer]

Wow, I have so much respect for Jr and everything he’s become. NASCAR should promote Dale and listen to Dale to make the sport better. Thanks for being a man and not scared of telling a very personal era while under the microscope of NASCAR and it’s fans.

[@jolenew9595]

NASCAR does listen to Dale.

[@Johnny53kgb-nsa]

I'm not a huge Nascar fan, I would watch some races. But Dale Jr. has to be one of the most relatable, down to Earth, driver's. A great guy, with an awesome sister.

[@kristingrace63]

I never imagined how much suffering he endured. What an amazing interview!!

[@nealtorbert474]

I've had at least six concussions that I know of, plus one coma. Thank you Dale Jr for sharing your story.

[@3RNHRT]

Holy smokes...What do you do? Are you a prize fighter? An NFL player? Wow!

[@adelitaamox4502]

B kh no g

[@Thumper68]

@@3RNHRTprofessional Minecraft player😂

[@IntriguedGaming]

The best thing about Dale is he is true to himself, it's not something that is instant, but something we all hopefully grow into.

[@vondalross5753]

Loved Dale jr

[@mcgovernoutdoors33]

Dale Jr was a damn good race car driver!! But he is a great man to make the right choice to walk away from what he loved to do because he knew his concussion’s were doing damage to his brain!! Much respect to you Dale!

[@liviamoon]

❤

[@glennhurst7659]

At 57 minutes I felt tears roll down my face... Dale Jr I get that...

[@dralbora]

What a candid interview. Dale carries the best of the sport through the recent past and into the future. Thanks for recognizing him.

[@davidrice3337]

This is must watch material for anyone who was either a part of E Nation or not - Thank Goodness for Amy, Kelly and his Momma - Her contributions can't be overstated

[@jefffillinger8085]

Dale Earnhardt jr is one of the kindest down to earth human beings you will ever find he should have NO feelings of ANY kind of feeling less than. His statistics are incredible and he should be extremely proud of what he accomplished throughout his career even with the concessions and the struggles associated with head injuries it takes alot of ball's to push through forward after experiencing what he did my hat off to such a badass RACECAR LEGEND

[@firebald2915]

Remember who his Daddy was, a Man who didn't complain or be weak at any time. Dale Sr was a tough guy and taught his son, just being around him, to be tough just like him. My Dad was the same way, hence... when things got bad with me concerning my battle with pre knowing about Multiple Sclerosis, I could have been diagnosed and started treatment. But, no.... I waited until MS started to really affect my body and mind. I love Dale Jr for sharing this. It truly is traumatic to relive it again. God bless him.

[@kristenwhite2701]

Best conversations I’ve heard. Well done by all involved. I love how open he is about everything. Thanks for the questions and including the strong women in his life. He has the best.

[@jeffmurphree2937]

This is an amazing and excellent interview! Dale is popular because of his honesty. Thank you for being the person you are.

[@ARGermanS]

As a new NASCAR fan i find Dale Jr a great man to hear and this interview is fantastic. It deserves a lot more views!

[@FloridaManRacer]

I've been credentialed media for the Daytona 500. I watched him in 2019 leave the media center the morning of the race, immediately get swarmed by 200 fans who want just a moment with him. There were no cameras on him. He DID NOT have to spare a second for these people because he was working as media for NBC. He was no longer a driver. However Dale stopped right in front of the Budweiser Bistro (the main concession area in the infield) and signed people's hats, t-shirts, diecasts and anything else they wanted for a solid five minutes and gave those fans what they wanted. With a smile on his face. The man doesn't put up some front for a camera. With Dale, what you see, is EXACTLY what you get. THAT is why so many people respect this guy. There's plenty of examples in a LOT of sports of athletes who only care about two things. Championships and money. Dale cares about ALL of it. One of the finest people to ever grace the sport, regardless of what a statistics sheet may say...

[@markhansen6698]

reading his book, seeing this interview, then watching him the last 5 years and now seeing this again...so happy for him. appreciate his honesty about these topics (anxiety, concussions, hiding it from people, etc). helped me out in a tough time.

[@dynamicdopamine]

38 minutes and 36 seconds into this video, he starts talking about the house fire. I actually had an experience with Kelley Earnhardt due to my home burning down and we had a total loss. I'm not going to put everything out here on the internet but I will say that he is a very very amazing lady with a heart of gold and I am so thankful that I got to meet her I hate that the circumstances were because of what happened but it just really showed me who the Earnhardt family really is. Me and Dale Earnhardt Jr actually have a lot in common

[@karlswope2331]

Great interview and a must watch for any Jr. or NASCAR fan. Kelly and now Amy have been God sent for Jr...what blessings to have in life your life

[@mrmbr]

Thank you Dale for being honest. It will help another to just get help when they need it

[@davidfox5321]

class = success I didn't ever really have a favorite driver...... I genuinely liked the sport all the way around, the excitement on race day, the pagentry, the emotions, but I am definitely a Jr. fan, more so now than before.... thank you for putting it all out there

[@justbecause9645]

Dads last name gave him success.

[@roxannemoser]

​@@justbecause9645absolutely not true. If you read his book, he once asked his Dad why he gave Jeff Gordon advice, but not him. He said, I don't want people to say you succeeded because of me. Kelley, Kerry, and Dale received NOTHING from their Dad's estate. It all went to Theresa and Taylor. DEI is closed. JR Motorsports is still functioning and making money. I know the lady who cleans his garage. I've even helped her. He appreciates everyone who works for him and pays above a liveable wage. He did it ON HIS OWN! The only person that helped him was Kelley. My cousin used to haul Kelley's cars when she raced for free. She couldn't afford to pay him starting, not even gas. When she started making some money racing, she paid him first. RIP my cousin Andy Burrus.

[@oldermusiclover]

Oh Dale I do this a lot and it not because I have a concussion it is scary it is short term memory problems of getting old. thank you for being such a GOOD EXAMPLE like your dads death( and i"m soo sorry) you have saved lives doing this

[@okiejammer2736]

My eyes are wet watching this. We are long-time Jr. fans and recall these years, these heavy crashes. It was the fear to disclose these symptoms for so long that so hurts my heart. Rick Hendrick knows serious medical issues, and he obviously loves his people. Here's to long, healthy lives for us all. Jr. became the poster child, shining a light concussive head injuries. There are reasons for everything.

[@KESnSC]

Great interview. I love Dale’s podcast.

[@donnstambaugh1506]

Graham, you need to interview him again and let people see how he has recovered for the most part.,.

[@gracekelly2810]

The more he talks about what concussions can do, the more I pray people listen. They are no joke. I've had more than I can count or recall, I wish I knew 40 years ago what I know now. Maybe my life could have been better.

[@rharbin1]

I agree with you 1996 I suffered a fractured skull 💀 and concussion with a week in the trauma center. We’ll probably never know what we lost and changed permanently. This shows the side of Jr. others might not think about how tough things were being in the shadows of Dale Sr.

[@gracekelly2810]

@@rharbin1 sending you prayers. The healing journey is a long and never ending one.

[@frogfortress]

most relatable and down to earth athlete, also kelly is the women i wish i had in my life

[@user-bm5bm8ff5t]

Dale, you're a good person, and you can't imagine how many people are benefiting from hearing this interview.

[@garysilver718]

Been there done that. I’m 83 three yrs. Old And it happened along time ago and I’m still dealing with it. And your right you don’t want to tell anybody about it. You don’t know how much this helps me.

[@davidrice3337]

I hope you are doing well , Sir - I'm 54 - I've always gravitated towards older people - I have a need for the perspective of people who have already rode the horse - the down side of that is I've lost some people who I used to rely on - life is not always what is perceived - and Father time is patient and cruel - I wrote a song about it - Good Luck to You and the People in Your Life 🏇🇺🇸🏇

[@TheJTTaylor000]

We love you Dale. And we love Amy for being there for you.

[@liviamoon]

❤

[@nemo227]

#1, that carpet pattern hurts MY brain. #2, our body is always "talking" to us; we haven't always learned to understand it. #3, I have ALWAYS enjoyed watching Dale Jr. race. Thanks for the memories, Dale.

[@greghall8063]

Awesome interview and informative concerning brain injuries. He is the perfect spokesman for brain injuries and treatment. I admire him greatly! This took courage to share his experiences.

[@picklesmom735]

Man...i felt his anxiety just talking about it. You see it and feel it. Love ya Dale. Thank you for sharing

[@liviamoon]

❤

[@poppyleon_6275]

I love ya, Jr. Great discussion. Tough to hear what you went through, can't imagine it from your side! I'm so so happy to see where you are in life with your beautiful family! xoxo!

[@davidf2047]

Exactly the way I felt after a car crash with an undiagnosed concussion. Thank you for explaining it that way

[@lionelhollywood7275]

Love the guy .. we grew up couple a years apart …life mimicks life .. my wife saved me too brother .. RIP BIG E

[@danstovall4424]

Proud of you Dale

[@bobby9623]

I’m glad he stopped racing so we have all these amazing stories from the one who experienced it. Not just the bad stuff just listening to all his other stories and engine builders from the old school days. Late 80’s and 90’s is all I was able to see . His stories then listen to Danny chocolate Myers’s. God bless you all.

[@MSC-Songwriter]

*Great Job..well put together. I've always liked Kelly and now Amy too. We Jr. fans didn't know what he was going through. I'm glad he got out when he did.*

[@WheelerRickRambles]

I had the same ‘absent’ father (parents)… they were physically there but psychologically non-existent. 19 yrs of therapy and still working it.

[@julioaguirre44]

Thanks for this interview dale jr. He seemed frustrated in some of his answers. Its sad sometimes people for an interview are willing to make someone uncomfortable

[@BlakeSakalMusic]

Dark hole indeed. Made me proud because I did survive doing it all on my own after 5 months of severe symptoms after a severe concussion. Aye! It does get better and you will realize you are way stronger than you ever could imagine. Human beings are resilient!

[@oldermusiclover]

good luck

[@rogerdelillo2394]

Thx Dale for sharing!

[@mercx007]

Legend Of Life

[@punktalley]

Damn thank you both for getting this out there....a lot of people know exactly how he felt...I knew I've had one or two maybe but damn I'm sure I've had ten at the least but if the number is twenty or more wouldn't be surprising to me or my wife and family. Damn thanks to Dale he probably help 75,000 people understand what they experienced.

[@patricktuggles4815]

36:40 such a defining moment, I love this.

[@nickiallen]

What and awesome conversation and transparency. I respect him so much more

[@lilytea3]

0:00: 😖 Dale Earnhardt Jr. reflects on his experiences with concussions and the impact they had on his racing career. 8:38: 😔 Dale Earnhardt Jr. hid his concussion symptoms from others, including his wife, out of fear and frustration. 17:15: 😰 The speaker experienced symptoms of dizziness and difficulty with balance and walking after crashes, leading to concerns about their ability to continue driving. 31:00: 😔 Dale Earnhardt Jr. discusses his experiences with concussions, including his anxiety and fear of symptoms returning, concerns about long-term health consequences, and the need for better protection for drivers. 33:16: ❤ Dale Earnhardt Jr. discusses his vulnerability during his recovery from concussions and the importance of his wife Amy's support. 40:56: 😢 Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s sister, Kelley Earnhardt, talks about their childhood and her role as his protector and financial advisor. 48:58: 🏁 Dale Earnhardt Jr. reflects on his relationship with his late father and his emotional connection to Daytona race track. 55:04: 😢 Dale Earnhardt Jr. recalls writing a heartfelt article about his dad and the impact it had on their relationship before his passing. 1:03:17: 💔 Dale Jr. discusses his decision to leave his family business and retire from NASCAR, as well as the impact on his relationships and sponsors. 1:10:56: 🏁 The speaker reflects on their racing career, expressing pride in their accomplishments and the impact they had on NASCAR. Recap by Tammy AI

[@markf350s]

Yes, I totally understand what you are saying with someone when things are going wrong inside, you’re not in a rush to discuss it with anybody

[@trimusentertainment]

Awesome interview!

[@KariGomerWork]

I have been diagnosed with Lupus and I saw this and I appreciate your sorry to keep on keeping on

[@darylwizzard5832]

I wish I could meet Dale Jr one day. It feels like he's a good person a friend, but we never met.

[@liviamoon]

Dale, you are a wonderful person.🌹 I only found out about you and your father today and am watching some videos. It has not been easy for you and I am grateful that you had and have such a wonderful sister in your life. ♥️🙏 And later also a woman who loves you for who you are alone.🙏♥️ You should be so proud of everything you have achieved. Also of your brave decisions. Health is the greatest good and unfortunately many people realise this far too late. Your story will hopefully give many people courage and strength. I know what it's like to suddenly fall ill in the middle of life. You no longer function properly and are suddenly rubbish or worth nothing to some people. It hurts, but it's also very instructive. You have chosen the right path and new paths have opened up. New people enter your life. Your own family, true friends and your health count. And for that I wish you the best in the world.♥️🙏 Love from Germany. ♥️🕊

[@JSkunk3223]

I understand this completely. Grew with a few concussions from sports but nobody ever really noticed. It wasn’t a big thing in the 80s and 90s. Been in a few wrecks but was always able to maintain. Age 40, community and HS soccer coach. I got t-boned at a high rate of speed. Did a few flips etc. major concussion. Never felt normal again. It affected me so bad I lost my ability to run play teach coach. Everything I loved. I lost my family. I had no idea what all was happening to me and no one listened. It took yrs to get the help I needed but still have issues to this day.

[@MattyRox]

What a wonderful human being.

[@thetruth1446]

Jr raced for Sr, but won us over being JR!

[@JoeKyser]

Yasssss its Dale!

[@frogfortress]

Yasssssss queen

[@bamboobar-lt2xe]

When you go Racing at those speeds you put your life on the line as soon as you start that engine. It takes fearless ambition and willingness to pay the ultimate price for the win. Period.

[@jamesherko7034]

Dale, when they changed Atlanta motor speedway front and back stretch around, I think your dad was going through something similar to a concussion like you’re speaking of. The configuration of the track had him all confused and I know it was from some of the hard wrecks he had just been through, good luck. They’ll always love you and your dad. Best wishes to you and your family.

[@The1966chevyvan]

That my friends is one cool cat. Good to see Dale doing so well.

[@toddweatherly588]

Thank god for this story I have had the same problem and my life has not been the same since. I didn’t know how to explain it. This is rite on the money

[@mrt601]

Motivation is he's my brother and I love him very much ❤️

[@brandonyoung156]

The very end you realize exactly why Jr. was so popular despite him not living up to his father's shadow and people's expectations. He was truly grateful and surprised every time he won. His enthusiasm for the sport and, I had a hard time dealing with this as a fan, his having fun outside the car no matter what the result made you realize that he didn't care what the results were really because he was having fun and he was a great ambassador for the sport. Which is pretty ironic considering he makes it seem like he only drove race cars to get his father's attention growing up. It would've been really easy to just walk away after Sr. died because he didn't need racing to be close to his father anymore. I commend him for becoming the man he is. I look forward to him hopefully someday moving JRM up to Cup because I think he will be a worthy replacement for the void Rick Hendrick leaves.

[@bigdaddy4197]

Great interview. I drove backwards for 3 laps at Mosport International.

[@kapill8990]

i feel like when you watch him talk about this, it truley hurts so much because he really just wants to race. thats all he wants to do, is what he loves, but he knows if he does, if he crashes... is it worth it?

[@haroldcrane1495]

Dale Jr is humble and kind, hes a good man like his father and will be the all time most popular driver in history.

[@dockennedy8091]

Dale: I have anxiety through the roof! Graham: So are you worried about your future? 😄

[@daddysbrokegarage]

I've had 7 severe concussions and to this day i still feel so disconnected from the world and conversation i cannot focus on. It sucks it really does. Mine all came from years of demolition derbies. I get constant head spins and dizzy spells. I aint got the money to blow at specialists to try to help stabilize it.

[@TheTommymbarsby]

I went through the same thing in the service and I had all the treatment offered to me. And none of it significantly helped. For me, I made the most progress from taking natural brain supplements. Heavy Omegas. Good luck to you.

[@GaryLX870D]

Do It for Dale

[@mrvstop9267]

New respect for Graham Bensinger getting the truth about Theresa from Kelly...!

[@mrmbr]

Dale said one thing that clicked. I was dying from congestive heart failure, and she knew something was wrong... But I couldn't share that or let anyone know. 😪I understand

[@lax02010]

No NASCAR allegiance whatsoever but I watched the whole thing and can’t help it really like the guy. It’s very telling, he always says “we” when talking about success and races and not “I.”

[@bobsmyth9776]

Food grade peroxide is really really good for cleaning your well, also.. I'm happy for you having your Own water source . .

[@birdmanrobertlabodajr.3416]

I’ve had those protocols before we head injuries with him at six and concussions and I know what those feelings are. I didn’t have any doctors to tell me I live day today with eyes being blurry and well it’s part of my depression too so live every day of my life differently and I don’t think anybody would I don’t wanna see anybody go through what I go through in a day or a week or year or month and I don’t have anybody that’s gonna be there for me so I just try to do what I Gotta do. I don’t race what being so tall that’s all I know.

[@shawngranger2317]

Dale and Kelly have the exact same relationship that my little brother and I had . Unfortunately I had to get out of our house and family conditions. I got my own pland tried to take my little brother with me and it wasn't allowed! He took his life at 19.

[@robhermance1830]

His father would be (I'm sure he is) very proud of who that young man has become.

[@rickyestes7477]

I can relate so much to dales story about his dad...mine shouldn't have had kids

[@americanrenewal]

He should look into the PoNs system. Neuroplasticity has shown that the brain can be retrained using electrical stimulation. It is used more for multiple sclerosis, but the results have been amazing for other brain injuries. I had a stroke 3 years ago, and I experienced a number of these same issues. I wish the PoNS system was available to me. I'm using NMES in the meantime to try to regain neuromuscular control and strength. Dr. Norman Doidge would be a good read to learn about what can be done. Best wishes Dale!!

[@michaelmarquez4597]

So the military did a study with 70 of us across the branches that have had blast concussions and tbi. If anybody could help push this up I’d like to have a conversation with these gents maybe something could help

[@randyc8406]

What an eye opener. Yes, he was over rated, as a driver. That was all media driven, always putting him on par w/K Petty & Davey Allison. But, he did relate well w/fans. That’s likely cuz he was still seeking acceptance, that he hadn’t got from Sr. I love how candid & detailed he is, telling about the injuries & aftermath of them. We constantly hear about athletes getting concussed, but never what they experience

[@pacthesir]

19:57 I had this issue at some point... don't worry Dale... I know how it is, I nearly freaked out.

[@mattracin]

I know what he’s talkin bout not all I remember some when I came to , after my brain injury I didn’t experience some of that stuff cus I was in a comma, they left me in a comma for all my breaks to heal, God healed everything elts

[@vanessapanek9959]

The voices that you’re hearing in your head are the people that are trying to guide you on what to do

[@lennonbailey2137]

conquer jr conquer

[@TotowizardZ]

❤️❤️🎉

[@Re-certified_jlb]

Holy shit what an insightful interview. Jr lose the white tube socks buddy haha

[@Easterwood67]

Wow, this piece has the most commercials than I’ve ever seen on KZbin

[@user-cx1li3lr9e]

❤

[@Myfaceurassistance]

As someone suffering from Ménière’s disease I completely understand how he feels. it is a feeling helplessness and uselessness that is overwhelming depressing. But without the millions to spend on the cutting edge medical treatments is even worse

[@mrt601]

Lethargic is the feeling and that's if I spelled that right like being a zombie and if I'm not mistaken Ervin the driver of the Kodak car was told the next hit might be your last he had some major hits with the concrete to one time he lost a tire in practice and I've never seen a car pancake the side like that wow that had to hurt

[@frostysgrill]

🔥⚡️🏁

[@FJB8646]

Dale and Kelly are top notch classy people. They could have said a lot of negative things about Teresa. Working with Teresa was the hardest thing in my career as you are forced to do things that you know are going to impact things in a negative way. It was painful to watch DEI slowly swirl the drain as it ultimately did.

[@donaldcornwell1151]

He is actually a better man than his Dad and his Dad was a real man as well

[@geezerguy6410]

When I was injured in the military first thing the dr said was "he really got his bell rung". Then they stitched me up like a quilt, pulled my damaged teeth wired my jaw, shot me up with Dilantin, plus pain meds, and then covered my head with bags of ice. Concussion 101 in the late 1960's. Just another case of ringing the old bell.

[@sharonwolfe9600]

So did he just confirm Dale Sr was dead at the track? That would explain the slow trip to the hospital. I guess I had never went back to answer this question.

[@ltrillium1000]

Here is the key to the DEI relationship. No one, and I mean no one is asking Teresa for an interview.