Dez Bryant returned to the NFL last year, but the wide receiver believes he has found another way to make an impact on the league.
Bryant told TMZ Sports that he has a plan to become a mentor and life coach for athletes, focusing on mental health.
The 32-year-old cited the recent death of former wide receiver Vincent Jackson, who died alone in his hotel room in Brandon, Fla.
“Depression and anxiety, all that s—t is real, man,” Bryant said. “Look at Vincent Jackson and God rest his soul. Look at some of our brothers we’ve lost. These young brothers [are] in their early 30s, 40s … it don’t make sense.”
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister cited “chronic alcoholism” as the likely issue that contributed to Jackson’s death — which may have stemmed from mental health issues he was battling.
Mental health is a particularly important issue within the NFL. The physicality of the sport has led many former players dealing with CTE – a degenerative brain condition. Many players who have taken their own lives have been diagnosed with this.
Bryant claims God has given him the gift to identify the players who need help.
“Any player that need it,” Bryant said. God gave me a gift — I can really point out guys, ok, he better check himself before, you know.”
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