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#3 - Dak Prescott
Dak Prescott has been one of the biggest advocates for mental health among NFL players after opening up about his own battle with depression and anxiety. He claimed that the effect the pandemic had on restricting certain aspects of his life complicated the state of his mental health. His brother committing suicide intensified his issues.
He had this to say following a Dallas Cowboys practice:
“Before I can lead, I have to make sure my mind is in the right place to do that and lead people to where they want to be. I think that it’s important to be vulnerable, to be genuine, and to be transparent.”
Prescott continues to be open about his own mental health as he often talks about it in interviews and media appearances. He encourages anyone who may be struggling to speak up about it and seek help.
#4 - Joe Burrow
Joe Burrow is one of the most recent NFL players to openly promote the importance of mental health. The Cincinnati Bengals superstar quarterback recently started The Joe Burrow Foundation, focusing on childhood mental health issues, among other things.
Burrow issued this statement about his foundation:
“I believe that everyone has a responsibility to do good. This foundation allows me and my family to give back .. My mom, a lifetime educator, experiences firsthand the effect of mental health issues on children and their families. We want to make a difference here as well.”
Childhood mental health is a cause that hits home for Joe Burrow, who has mentioned his own struggles with depression and anxiety.
Burrow joined the trending list of NFL players raising awareness for this sensitive and widespread issue.
#5 - Solomon Thomas
Solomon Thomas has been one of the most active advocates for mental health awareness in the entire NFL. He started The Defensive Line Foundation, a nonprofit organization with a prime focus on mental health.
Thomas has this to say about his mission:
"It's a huge personal passion of mine and something that I really want to see stopped in the world. I want to see a better mental health world for our youth, a better mental health world for everyone. To stop suicide and help anyone out there who is struggling and make sure they know they're not alone."
He also made a huge pledge during the 2021 NFL season while playing with the Las Vegas Raiders.
He donated $8,000 per sack to his foundation during the 2021 NFL season. He recorded 3.5 total sacks that year.
