Tom Brady supports Naomi Osaka, Simone Biles amid mental health concerns

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady voiced his support for Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka in regards to mental health.

Mental health awareness has entered the sports world this year after tennis star Naomi Osaka and Olympic gymnast Simone Biles stepped away from their respective competitions. Those decisions were made in order to treat and look after their mental health. They have received some strong support from many throughout the year, with the latest being a seven-time Super Bowl champion.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady had an interview with USA TODAY’s Jarrett Bell back in August and he voiced his support for Osaka and Biles both prioritizing their mental health.

Tom Brady expressed his support for Simone Biles, Naomi Osaka

"“It’s very difficult to deal with a lot of things that are thrust upon you when you have a degree of success,” said Brady, via USA TODAY. Things in your family dynamics change. You’re still learning and growing. You’re going through a lot at 21, 22, 23, 24, just as a human being. And now you’re dealing with it on the world stage. So, there’s absolutely challenges to be dealt with and adversities to overcome at that age. Even at 44, you’re dealing with different things and adversities. And now you have kids, wives and off-field stuff like we all do in our careers. So, life has its challenges for all of us. You just hope that people can manage them and get through them in as healthy way of a way as possible and that you can learn from them and that they make you into a more self-aware person. And that’s obviously what I hope for Simone and Naomi.”"

Earlier this year, Osaka stepped away from competing in the French Open due to her mental health. While she did return from a brief hiatus, she recently lost in the U.S. Open in a third-round upset by Leylah Fernandez. After the match, Osaka said that she’s thinking of stepping away from the game of tennis.

At the Tokyo Olympics, Biles withdrew from the team final, citing her need to focus on her mental health. Biles did return for the balance beam final, in which she won a bronze medal.

Both athletes endured intense criticism for withdrawing from their respective competitions by those who are not in their shoes. Mental health is something that should be taken very seriously. Despite the criticism, Biles and Osaka have received tremendous support not only from their fans, but from fellow athletes. Now, the latest to stand in their corner is Brady.