On Nov. 6, fans of the NFL were stunned of the suicidal of Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn
Kneeland. A passing that not only shocked the fans of the NFL, but also brought the awareness to the
athletes facing mental health problems.
From the moment athletes put a jersey on and step onto the playing surface, the pressure begins. Whether you are facing a sport that requires individuality or you are facing a team sport, pressure is one thing that will affect players mental health for years to come. Young athletes all want to play at the next level whether that is professionally, collegiately, or even varsity level. Athletes who progress to those levels are exposed to increased pressure and mental health issues. With no real mental health outlet specified for athletes, most hold emotions in and allow their mental health to take a toll.
With no outlets to speak to, athletes are speaking up providing their assistance to those in need of mental health help. Social media pages took action to provide athletes someone to speak through their emotions.
SHU football senior ’26 Tyler Jameson said this (via Instagram): “It is okay to not be okay, it is okay to receive help, it is okay to be an athlete and struggle mentally, it is okay to let others in.”
This is not the first-time famous athletes struggling with mental health have committed suicide due to pressure. Junior Seau, Dave Duerson, Gary Speed, Kelly Catlin, and many more have taken their life due to mental health. Unfortunately, this is not only seen in professional sports. College athletes, high school
athletes, even youth sports are facing mental health issues causing suicidal thoughts and actions.
Recently a high school baseball player, Ryan Jefferson, committed to play baseball at the University of Illinois. He later committed suicide due to the struggles of his own mental health. The Illinois baseball team posted condolences and a notice to speak to your love ones and talk to someone if you need help.
With many athletes struggling with mental health our society has tried to implement some solutions towards athletes. Now, high school, college, even professional level athletes are surrounded by psychologists and team therapists to help guide athletes to the path of success in their mental health.
In a recent study, the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletics Association) released that 11.6% of varsity collegiate athletes have taken their life due to suicide. With the college athletics scene becoming more of a business for higher level athletes the pressure, media, and workload has taken a major toll on athletes’ mental health.
The brewing question becomes, how can the athletics scene be changed and geared to helping these athletes; and how to reach towards the athletes who are struggling, to push them to speak to someone. It is hard to fully understand where to help athletes mental health, but any improvement will be a step in the right direction to helping athletes across the world from youth sports to the pros.
