"A sign of weakness....": Former NFL quarterback delivers powerful mental health message to young football players

Football teaches young athletes to fight through pain, handle pressure and keep pushing when the odds are against them. But former NFL quarterback B.J. Daniels wants student-athletes to understand that strength also means knowing when to ask for help. At a youth behavioral health summit in Florida, Daniels shared his own experiences with personal struggles and encouraged young players to speak openly about their mental health. His message was simple but powerful: athletes do not have to hide their emotions to prove their toughness.B.J. Daniels opens up about mental health struggles among athletesDaniels met with football players from six Pinellas County high schools at the second annual Mind Shift Youth Behavioral Health Summit on October 9. Organised in partnership with Evara Health, Pinellas County Schools and the Juvenile Welfare Board, the event focused on helping young athletes manage stress, build resilience and understand that their worth extends beyond their performance.The former University of South Florida standout, who won a Super Bowl during his professional career, spoke about the challenges he faced both on and off the field.“I face so many different challenges,” said Daniels, per WFLA. “Some were seen, some were unseen, and some I was scared to talk about.”His words offered a reminder that even experienced athletes can face struggles that others never notice. For young players who feel pressure to appear confident and strong, opening up about difficult emotions can seem daunting.Daniels urged the students to find people they trust rather than face those challenges alone.“I want these young men to know that it’s okay to not be okay and find ways to communicate and know that there’s a locker room that I would call your community that’s around you that will always support you,” he added.The summit also highlighted the importance of creating safe spaces where young people can discuss their feelings without fear of judgment. Organisers cited data showing that one in five young people in Pinellas County will experience a mental health condition during their lifetime.B.J. Daniels encourages young athletes to ask for helpDaniels continued the conversation on Instagram, sharing photographs from the summit and explaining why athletes should feel comfortable seeking support.“Athletes can feel like they have to be tough all the time — like admitting that something is bothering you is a sign of weakness,” he wrote in the caption. “But asking for help doesn’t make you less of an athlete. It gives you the confidence to face difficult things, take care of yourself, and be there for the people counting on you.”The message also resonated with the students who attended the event. Clearwater High School linebacker Jayeon Jackson spoke about seeing former teammates make poor decisions, while senior Jekobi Brown highlighted the value of positive self-talk.“I’ve learned that talking to yourself isn’t a bad thing to do,” Brown said. “Talking to yourself could get you out of terrible decisions, and it could change your life.”Jackson also offered an encouraging message: “Keep speaking positively to yourself and never give up on your dreams,” he added.Through his work with Evara Health, where he serves as manager of strategic growth and partnerships, Daniels is helping bring mental health conversations into spaces where young athletes may otherwise feel reluctant to speak. His message extends beyond football: asking for support is not a weakness, and no athlete should have to struggle alone.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.