Dante Moore should have been enjoying the life of a star. At 20, the Oregon quarterback was already a household name in college football. Analysts have even projected him as the No. 2 overall pick for the New York Jets. On the surface, the athlete had everything a young competitor could want. But Moore carried a secret weight that the public could not see. He was facing an internal battle that had nothing to do with a playbook.
The struggle began when Moore was only 18. While he led his team on the field, a private crisis was unfolding at home. His mother, Jera Bohlen-Moore, had been diagnosed with breast cancer. On Monday, Moore broke his silence in a letter to Governor Tina Kotek.
In a March 3 letter, Moore wrote:
“Early in my college career, I found myself struggling deeply: I was depressed. The pressure and expectations that come with playing quarterback at a high level felt overwhelming at 18. Around that same time, my mother was diagnosed with cancer. Watching her endure chemotherapy while I tried to stay focused on school and football challenged me mentally and emotionally. It was heavy in ways that are difficult to put into words.”
Oregon QB Dante Moore has revealed he struggled with mental health issues associated with the pressures of major college football while also facing the news of his mother being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023. She was declared cancer-free in the summer of 2024. pic.twitter.com/r3puL4QwNS
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) March 17, 2026
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Dante Moore Helping Others Across Oregon
To help others, he is now an advocate for expanding virtual mental health services across Oregon. This push comes as the Oregon Health Authority strives to eliminate health inequities by 2030. The state recently approved $65 million for treatment facilities and $5 million for workforce incentives, per oregon.gov.
“In my life, what made the difference was support,” Moore added. “Support from my friends, love from my family, and access to the resources I needed to get better. As a young Black man and athlete, reaching out for help can often feel like climbing an uphill battle. It required vulnerability and trust, and I was fortunate to get the care I needed.”
The quarterback decided to stay in Eugene for the 2026 season to pursue a national championship. This decision moved Oregon into the top five of preseason rankings. It also gave transfer Dylan Raiola time to recover from injuries. Moore said he feels more prepared to lead his teammates now.
Fans can watch Moore at the annual Spring Game on April 25 at 1 p.m. The game at Autzen Stadium will be on the Big Ten Network.
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Follow me here on Gridiron Heroics and get the latest on the world of NFL and college football. From the drama surrounding Shedeur Sanders, Bill Belichick – Jordon Hudson tea, Brittany Mahomes’ stylish looks to Taylor Swift’s appearances on Chiefs game days, this will be your one-stop shop for all NFL and college football stuff. You can also reach out to Prasen Singh via email at prasensingh272@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest sports news,click here!