5 NFL Players That Have Spoken About Mental Health

In recent years, more and more NFL players have come out and spoken openly about their struggles with mental health. This is a significant shift, as mental health was once seen as a taboo topic in the world of professional sports. However, these players are now using their platforms to not only raise awareness about mental health issues, but also to provide support and inspiration for others who may be struggling. With the blockbuster NFL Superbowl matchup featuring the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs set to take place today, let’s take a look at five NFL players that have come out and spoken about their experience with mental health.

Here are five NFL players who have come out and spoken out about their experiences with mental health:

1.     Brandon Marshall - The former New York Giants wide receiver has been open about his struggles with borderline personality disorder, which is a mental health condition that is characterized by extreme mood swings and impulsive behavior. In 2011, Marshall began participating in a program called Project 375, which is dedicated to raising awareness and providing support for individuals with mental health issues.

2.     Brandon Copeland - The former linebacker has been vocal about his struggles with anxiety and depression, which he says began after he suffered a season-ending injury in 2016. Copeland has since become an advocate for mental health awareness and has partnered with various organizations to promote mental health resources and support.

3.     Chris Long - The retired Philadelphia Eagles defensive end has been open about his struggles with anxiety and depression, which he says began after he won his first Super Bowl in 2017. Long has since become an advocate for mental health awareness and has partnered with various organizations to promote mental health resources and support.

4.     Eric Wood - The former Buffalo Bills center has been open about his struggles with depression, which he says began after he suffered a career-ending injury in 2018. Wood has since become an advocate for mental health awareness and has partnered with various organizations to promote mental health resources and support.

5.     Ryan O'Callaghan - The retired New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle has been open about his struggles with depression and his experiences with self-harm. O'Callaghan has since become an advocate for mental health awareness and has partnered with various organizations to promote mental health resources and support.

These players are just a few examples of the many NFL players who have come out and spoken out about their experiences with mental health. By using their platforms to raise awareness and provide support, they are helping to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and providing hope and inspiration for others who may be struggling.

Dr. Inverpal Braich

About the Author
Hey! I’m Inverpal. I’m a psychologist and the Director of Clinical Operations at CCIPH. I was born in Toronto, ON but have moved across several cities and provinces in Canada. From a young age, I have been passionate about promoting mental health awareness and increasing the accessibility of mental health services. Due to this passion, I have spent over a decade in the mental health industry, working with several mental health organizations across North America in many diverse roles. I’m also a huge Toronto Raptors fan. In my free time, you can find me playing/watching basketball, watching new movies, learning new things, and spending time with my family.

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