Editor’s Note: This story contains a discussion of a suicide.
FOXBOROUGH - Mack Hollins knows about the stereotypes involving males, especially the ones attached to football players.
They’re supposed to be tough. Not weak. They’re not supposed to talk about problems.
Hollins, who arrived at Gillette Stadium Thursday night wearing a white shirt with “988″ in block letters, which is the phone number for the suicide and crisis lifeline, explained why it was so important for men to speak up and not be afraid.
Following the Patriots 27-14 win over the New York Jets, the receiver, who had four catches for 64 yards, talked about suicide and was passionate about wanting to help.
“I think this topic, especially as a male, can often get pushed aside, can get brushed under the rug as not for men. Not for tough guys, not for I guess our gender, sex, whatever you want to call it,” Hollins began. “But it happens more than people want to admit it happens, whether it’s older men, younger men, successful men, poor men, rich men ... it happens to all men and it gets pushed under the rug too much. And that’s not to say female suicide isn’t a thing as well.
“But I think, especially this month of November, if I can bring attention to something that’s happening way too much. Because even one person committing suicide is too much. Than I will gladly stand behind it and try to bring attention to it.
“That’s not to bring attention away from anybody else or any other cause that’s going on. That’s just in hopes that somebody that may have had a rough evening, says, ‘Ho, there’s some guy in the NFL that cares.’ Even if I don’t know you, I care. And hopefully, that can change any decision you thought of making.”
On the back, Hollins’ shirt read “YOU ARE WORTH IT!!!”
The front also featured words including “alone, scared, silent, tired, trapped, hurt, broken, vulnerable, empty, misunderstood, prideful, forgotten” and “defeated,” while the back’s included “strong, enough, healed, supported, seen, loved, noticed, together, happy, joyful” and “loved.”
Last week, Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland took his own life. He was just 24 years old. In the aftermath, a number of Patriots told MassLive’s Matt Vautour that it was important for the locker room to be open with discussing mental health issues.
“I think that goes along with what I was saying. If you’re successful or you make plays or everybody thinks you’re in the best place in the world, you don’t know what somebody is going through on their own, between their ears,” Hollins said. “He’s in a locker room in a very alpha sport, where saying, ‘Hey, I’m not doing alright’ can get looked at as you’re weak. Or I need tough guys as teammates. And, unfortunately that’s been the history of men in general.
“But I think to anybody who’s listening, more men are willing to hear what you have to say than you think. That tough guy persona that we all put on, isn’t as real when it actually comes down to it. And it’s unfortunate to see somebody lose their life. And you never know why. You never know what’s the trigger or the straw that broke the camel’s back.”
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If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, you are not alone.
Samaritans Statewide Hotline: Call or Text: 1-877-870-HOPE (4673)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Press # 1 if you are a Veteran
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