5 NFL stars who have been battling with depression ft. Terry Bradshaw
NFL stars are often rich and famous celebrities in addition to being elite athletes. This may earn them many opportunities for various different ventures throughout the course of their lives. However, it does not shield them from suffering from mental health concerns like all other human beings.
According to the World Health Organization, around five percent of the adult population across the entire world suffers from some form of depression. That said, here are five NFL players who have been honest about their own personal struggles with depression.
#1 - Steve Smith Sr.
Steve Smith Sr. is a legendary NFL wide receiver who spent the majority of his playing career with the Carolina Panthers. Following his career, Smith spent time covering the league with the NFL Network. This is where he opened up about his battle with depression during his playing career.
Smith had this to say in an article he wrote on NFL.com:
"Despite all of my achievements, I routinely felt trapped, inferior and alone. This overwhelmed me internally and often left me mentally, physically and emotionally broken."
Smith continued by explaining that he attended therapy for his depression during the course of his career. Nonetheless, it wasn't until after he retired that he began to feel relief from the symptoms.
#2 - Brian Dawkins
Brian Dawkins was an NFL safety for the Philadelphia Eagles. He spoke about his battle with depression during his Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement speech, claiming it affected him for basically his entire career in the NFL.
Dawkins also had this to say about his mental health in an interview with NBC Sports:
"I just wanted to be in a dark room by myself with nobody. My room, I won't say was a frequent occurrence, but it was something I would do. My faith back then wasn't that strong, so I listened to the other voice in my head, and that's where suicidal thoughts came in, and then actually planning out how I would go about it in such a way that Connie (his wife) and my son would get the money from my insurance policy."
Dawkins explained that his severe depression made him suicidal during his NFL career. However, he claims his renewed faith in God has helped guide him to a much better place mentally and emotionally.