Philadelphia Eagles standout AJ Brown recently shared a courageous and personal revelation, disclosing that he once faced suicidal thoughts. This emotional confession was directed at the NFL community in an effort to shed light on mental health struggles.
In a candid video posted to his social media on Monday afternoon, the three-time Pro Bowler recounted a time when, at 23, he considered ending his life. His heartfelt message comes in the wake of the tragic passing of Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore, who died at just 25 years old.
During the ten-minute video, Brown expressed his condolences to the families of Marshawn Kneeland, Kareem Lacy, and Moore, emphasizing the profound impact of their losses.
“I just wanted to quickly bring some attention to this,” Brown began, as he bravely spoke about his hidden struggles with mental health.
“I see myself as a mental health advocate. I take pride in maintaining my mental well-being; it’s a priority I focus on daily,” he continued, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness.
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver AJ Brown shared an emotional message with fans
Wide receiver Rondale Moore died from a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound on Saturday
‘I myself represent a mental health advocate. I take pride in my mental health; it’s something that I practice each and every day.’
The Super Bowl LIX champion urged fellow athletes not to let the pressures of the game or ‘nasty things’ said by fans define their worth.
‘I once thought that was the way. I was 23 years old and I thought the same thing,’ Brown admitted while reflecting on his own darkest moments.
He warned players against taking ‘the easy way out’ and insisted that there is far more to life than the results on the football field.
‘Man, I have so much life ahead of me. I have so many family members who love me. I have accomplished so much,’ the superstar added.
Brown, now a father to a three-year-old and a five-year-old, credited his faith in Jesus Christ for helping him find fulfilment beyond sport.
‘The only thing fulfilling in this world is our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,’ he said, calling his immense football talent a ‘gift’ from God.
He spoke directly to men in the community, telling them they are ‘not too tough’ to reach out for professional help when they are struggling.
‘I once thought that was the way. I was 23 years old and I thought the same thing,’ Brown admitted while reflecting on his own darkest moments
Brown, now a father to a three-year-old and a five-year-old, credited his faith in Jesus Christ for helping him find fulfilment beyond sport.
‘Seek God. Go talk to Him first and foremost before you even go talk to a therapist – but go talk to a therapist. Reach out to your loved ones.’
‘Whatever failure you think you had, you have to keep going. There’s no failure in this life. You’re on your own timeline,’ he insisted.
Brown encouraged players to use positive affirmations and sticky notes around their homes to combat the negative thoughts that can creep in.
‘If you’ve ever played chess, the game ain’t over until the King is knocked over. That’s why the enemy tries to come at you… the King.’
‘Stay locked in. We’re more than this football game. We are human beings with so much more out there to accomplish. Don’t end it like that.’
As the NFL world mourned the loss of another young player in Moore, former tackle Breiden Fehoko pointed the finger at the league’s teams.
‘Imma keep it a stack.. I don’t care, I’m retired I’ll say what I want,’ the former Chargers star posted on X.
Former tackle Breiden Fehoko suggested NFL teams are not supporting players’ wellbeing
Tributes flooded in for the Minnesota Vikings wide receiver after his death at the age of just 25
‘These NFL teams come out here and post these mental health awareness posts talking about they care about players “don’t be afraid to reach out” etc. All they care about is what you bring to the table when it’s game day.’
He added: ‘I’ll start believing they care about player health when the Owner, GM, & head coach treat everyone on that roster the same from the franchise QB to the janitor.
‘Until then don’t tell me they care cause they posted some hotline number when shit like this happens. I’m here for any of my brothers that just wanna talk and shoot the shit. I love y’all. I care about y’all. I’m here for y’all.’
Fehoko, who won a national championship with LSU in 2020, announced his retirement from football back in November at the age of 29.
