Dak Prescott discusses importance of mental health (Video)

The Dallas Cowboys quarterback showed he’s a true leader by opening up and discussing the importance of mental health.

With the NFL season kicking off on Thursday, the talk around the Dallas Cowboys is if they can reach the Super Bowl for the first time in nearly 20 years. However, football took a backseat for more important and pressing matters. Quarterback Dak Prescott opened up to the world during an interview with journalist Graham Bensinger, revealing that he battled depression this offseason. He had been dealing with quarantined life stemming from the coronavirus pandemic, and the death of his older brother Jace, whom Prescott revealed committed suicide back in April at the age of 31.

With the “In Depth with Graham Bensinger” set to air this weekend, Prescott used his time during a Cowboys press conference to stress the importance of mental health. What made this statement even more powerful is that it came on World Suicide Prevention Day.

Prescott has opened up to current and former teammates

Prescott revealed that he spoke with friend and current and former Cowboys teammates about his emotions. Prescott also confided in former Cowboys mental conditioning consultant Chad Bohling, who’s currently the director of mental conditioning for the New York Yankees. The quarterback revealed that self-isolation was hard for him, because he’s used to being out in public and putting smiles on peoples faces. That was a struggle for many who entered quarantined life earlier this year.

In regards to his brother, Prescott said that Jace “had a lot of burdens on him,” and dealt with his internal struggles alone. Jace was the primary caretaker for their mother, Peggy, who passed away from a battle with colon cancer in 2013.

Prescott showed that even he, a top-tier NFL quarterback, can have an internal battle with depression, just like anyone else. As he said in the video above, it’s important to be vulnerable, genuine and transparent. Prescott knows the platform he has being the starting quarterback for the most recognizable sports team in the world, and he’s using it to inspire others to open up about their feelings to family, friends and/or mental health experts. Kudos to Prescott for being the voice that many needed to hear, especially during these trying times we’re currently living in.

Those who are struggling with thoughts of suicide can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or enter a confidential chat at suicidepreventionlifeline.org