2:11 PM
A.J. Brown shared a message on social media about depression and suicide.
Brown said in the message that he contemplated taking his own life. He believed that everything was going wrong for him and that he didn't have hope for better days.
The receiver spoke to the media on Thursday.
Brown said that he posted the video to encourage others to seek help. I didn't think about what depression was. I grew up brushing off my feelings and this made me happy. I wanted to let people know that I'm still here, I'm growing, I'm blessed and have a lot to be thankful for.
Brown pointed to the New York Jets receiver as a key person who was with him during times of darkness. They were teammates at the University of Mississippi.
Brown thanked the coach for having his door open to players to talk about anything.
"I appreciate A.J. Brown's courage," Vrabel said on Monday. It is part of our job to make sure that they can deal with the stresses of life, the stresses of professional football, the strain it sometimes puts on their family. If you are willing to sit and listen to someone talk, then you should ask how they are doing. Don't fly by.
Brown wouldn't say what caused him to be in a dark place. The presence of his daughter has helped him daily.
Brown still speaks to a therapist to maintain his mental health even though he said he's in a better place now.
Brown said that men's feelings aren't much cared for. Get things off your chest. It's okay to talk to someone. Seek help. Just like you take care of your body, you have to take care of your brain.
