Dialogue surrounding the mental health of NFL players multiplied recently after the death of 25-year-old Rondale Moore, who tragically took his own life. While tons of tributes have poured in from fellow players, others have lent their voices to existing conversations on players’ mental health.
One of such contributions came from Eagles wideout A.J. Brown, who opened up on his past mental health struggles while delivering a heartfelt message to his fellow NFL stars. His message serves to remind athletes that they aren’t always in charge of the outcomes they face.
A.J. Brown’s Heartfelt Mental Health Message for NFL Players
Sep 21, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver AJ. Brown (11) walks off the field after win against the Los Angeles Rams at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Sep 21, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver AJ. Brown (11) walks off the field after win against the Los Angeles Rams at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Brown shared that he struggled with suicidal thoughts earlier in his career. However, he expressed gratitude for how his life eventually turned out. Using his story, Brown urged fellow athletes to hold on and avoid suicidal notions. Instead, he encouraged players in difficult times, saying that things would get better.
Speaking about his experience, Brown claimed he wanted to take his own life at age 23. However, he dismissed the thoughts after considering the family members around him who loved him and the many accomplishments he’d achieved.
Admonishing his fellow players, Brown called on players to care more about one another amidst the harsh realities of a public figure’s life. He added that players should avoid letting difficult situations undermine their sense of self-worth.
“Things aren’t always going to go your way. You may get everything you desire. Sometimes this game is not friendly. People are going to say nasty things about you, call you this, call you that. But none of those things in that moment define you,”Brown said in a video making rounds on social media. Captioning a footage showing Brown’s speech to NFL players, a social media accountshared:
POWERFUL: AJ BROWN HAS BEEN A MAJOR MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATE:
Brown has been very vulnerable talking about his suicidal thoughts & attempt. AJ is now using his platform to raise awareness of the struggles players face & that they are not alone.
Beautiful 🙏pic.twitter.com/JWFzp5cUbL
— MLFootball (@MLFootball) February 26, 2026
“POWERFUL: AJ BROWN HAS BEEN A MAJOR MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATE:
Brown has been very vulnerable talking about his suicidal thoughts & attempt. AJ is now using his platform to raise awareness of the struggles players face & that they are not alone.”
Rondale Moore, who was a former Trinity High School football star and NFL wide receiver, died of a self-inflicted gunshot, according to a death investigation by New Albany police. His demise has gotten more players speaking on mental health issues, as observers like A.J Brown try to help many athletes overcome future suicidal notions.