"The NFL and the rest of society have come a long way in dealing with mental wellness. The stigma surrounding it has changed. The "suck it up" and "tough it out" mentality are long gone. Players are encouraged to prioritize their mental well-being. They're told to seek professional support if needed. They have more resources available to them now. The NFL and NFL Players Association in 2019 made it a requirement to have a licensed behavioral health clinician on the staff of each team."
""I have grown leaps and bounds because of the things that I've gone through, and that's one of those things I went through," Dawkins said on the stage after receiving his gold jacket. "When I say, went through, that means I came on the other side of it. So for those who are going through it right now, there's hope. You do have hope. There is something on the other side of this. Don't get caught up where you a"
It's OK to not be OK. Every conversation about mental health includes that statement and the message that tough times don't last, things will get better and help is available. The NFL and society have shifted toward prioritizing mental wellness and reducing stigma. Teams now encourage players to seek professional support and provide more resources. The NFL and NFLPA required a licensed behavioral health clinician on each team's staff in 2019. The Indianapolis Colts launched Kicking The Stigma in 2020 as an Irsay family initiative; Jim Irsay made breaking down barriers a personal mission and his daughter Kalen Jackson now leads the effort. Many players, including Brian Dawkins, have publicly shared struggles, emphasized hope and urged others to seek help.
Read at ABC7 Los Angeles
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