There’s been progress in breaking down the stigma around mental health,
especially for men, but there’s still more to do. What specific changes do you feel
are most urgently needed?
Creating more safe spaces where people feel comfortable expressing vulnerability without fear of judgment is so important. For men in particular, society still often pressures us to “tough it out,” which stops many from seeking help early. Another key shift is better access to affordable mental health care. Too many people, especially in marginalized communities, can’t get the support they need. And finally, we need more open conversations in schools, workplaces and families to normalize talking about mental health before it becomes a crisis.
As a former Division 1 football player turned sports anchor, what role do you think sports culture plays in either encouraging or discouraging mental health conversations among both male and female athletes?
I think it's huge that more and more high-profile athletes are speaking out about mental health. We know kids and society look up to professional athletes so for them to speak up is a big win for mental health. I grew up playing sports at a time when it was all about being tough. If you got hurt coaches would yell, "Rub some dirt on it and get back out there!" We couldn't even get a drink of water at football practice until they let us. It was an old school military style mentality aimed at toughening up kids. I think today coaches are more educated and play a crucial role in creating safe spaces where athletes can speak up without fear of stigma. When mental health is seen as part of overall wellness, athletes perform better and lead healthier lives on and off the field.