"Early in my college career, I found myself struggling deeply: I was depressed. The pressure and expectations that come with playing quarterback at a high level felt overwhelming at 18. Around that same time, my mother was diagnosed with cancer. Watching her endure chemotherapy while I tried to stay focused on school and football challenged me mentally and emotionally."
"In my life, what made the difference was support. Support from my friends, love from my family, and access to the resources I needed to get better. As a young Black man and athlete, reaching out for help can often feel like climbing an uphill battle. It required vulnerability and trust, and I was fortunate to get the care I needed."
"I recently challenged my teammates to lead beyond the field and use our platform to support people who feel voiceless. Leadership is not just about what we do on Saturdays -- it is about who we stand up for every day."
Oregon quarterback Dante Moore revealed his battle with depression stemming from the intense pressures of playing quarterback at a high level while managing his mother's breast cancer diagnosis. Moore wrote to Governor Tina Kotek in March requesting support for mental health services in Oregon. He emphasized that access to resources, family support, and professional care were instrumental in his recovery. Moore highlighted the particular challenges young Black men and athletes face when seeking mental health assistance, describing it as an uphill battle requiring vulnerability and trust. He advocates for expanding virtual mental health services and encourages athletes to use their platforms to support marginalized voices.
#mental-health-in-college-sports #athlete-advocacy #depression-and-pressure #virtual-mental-health-services
Read at ESPN.com
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