Daniel Carcillo witnessed the debilitating effects traumatic brain injury had on his friend and teammate Steve Montador. He retired from the NHL soon after his friend’s suicide. An autopsy on Montador’s brain indicated that he suffered from extensive CTE. Carcillo has also suffered head trauma and sought treatment for his post concussive symptoms. He is the founder of the Chapter 5 Foundation “To help athletes discover new purpose and transition into life after the game.” Through his foundation and in his work with young hockey players, he is doing more than just that. He recently announced that he will donate his brain to The Carrick Institute, for study after his death, and is a strong advocate for CTE research. He is outspoken about the profound impact of repeated head trauma, and is raising player and league awareness around mental health issues caused by head trauma.
Both Marshall and Carcillo say that their sport has given them a platform to shine a light on mental health and help others. Sports sociology expert Wilbert Leonard says of athletes, “When they speak out, it permits pain in a world where for many, pain is not allowed to exist.” Thank you Brandon Marshall and Daniel Carcillo for being brave, using your platform, raising awareness and speaking out about the importance of seeking help for mental illness. If these guys can do it within a culture that makes it difficult to seek help, so should we.
Daniel Carcillo
Photo credit The Players Tribune
Barndon Marshall
Photo credit The Guidance Center