Beyond the Field: How NFL Teams are Addressing Player Mental Health in 2025

The roar of the crowd, the bone-crushing hits, the thrill of victory – these are the images that define the National Football League. But behind the helmets and pads, a different battle is being fought: the battle for mental well-being. In 2025, NFL teams are tackling this challenge head-on, recognizing that a player’s mental state is just as crucial as their physical condition. As former Detroit Lions offensive lineman T.J. Lang said, “If you’re solid mentally, all the other stuff works.”

A League-Wide Shift in Perspective

The NFL’s journey toward prioritizing mental health has been a gradual but significant one. In 2019, the NFL and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) signed a joint agreement that marked a turning point. This agreement established the Comprehensive Mental Health and Wellness Committee, a body dedicated to developing resources and programs for players, coaches, staff, and even their families. Furthermore, it mandated that each team retain a Behavioral Health Team Clinician, focused on supporting players’ emotional and mental well-being.

Commissioner Roger Goodell has been a vocal advocate for these changes. The “NFL Total Wellness” program aims to empower players to make positive health decisions and promotes support-seeking behaviors. Goodell stated, “There is no higher priority for the National Football League than the health and wellness of our players… The time has come to expect more for players. Their families need more resources. We are going to provide that. You know our commitment.”

Team-Specific Initiatives: A Closer Look

While the league sets the standard, individual teams are innovating with their own approaches to mental health.

Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens were ahead of the curve, hiring team clinician Tricia Bent-Goodley in 2015, even before it was a league requirement. Bent-Goodley emphasizes the importance of a supportive culture, stating, “I believe we have a culture that has supported my work from its inception really and that starts from the top.”
Detroit Lions: The Lions have embraced a comprehensive approach, employing clinical psychologist Michelle Garvin and co-directors of player engagement to support their players. Quarterback Hendon Hooker, while recovering from a knee injury, worked with Garvin to develop strategies for better sleep and overall mental well-being.
San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers go above and beyond the league mandate, providing a licensed behavioral health clinician at their training facilities for 20 to 30 hours a week. This demonstrates a deep commitment to making mental health support readily accessible.

These examples highlight a growing trend: teams are not just meeting the minimum requirements but are actively creating environments where players feel comfortable seeking help.

Addressing the Unique Pressures of the NFL

NFL players face a unique set of stressors. The constant pressure to perform, the risk of injury, the scrutiny of social media, and the financial stakes can all take a toll. Dr. Amber Cargill, Director of Player Wellness at the NFLPA, notes that athletes experience the same mental health challenges as the general public, such as depression, anxiety, and ADHD, but also worry about job security and off-field stressors.

The NFL and NFLPA are implementing programs to address these specific challenges:

Pre-Draft Mental Health Screening and Support: Recognizing the intense pressure faced by draft prospects, the league is implementing pre-draft screening and support systems.
Social Media Training: To help players navigate the often-toxic world of online criticism, the NFL provides social media training programs.
Financial Advisors: Financial pressures can be a major source of stress. The league offers financial advisors to help players manage their wealth.
Extended Post-Draft Transition Programs: Transitioning into the NFL can be overwhelming. Extended programs help players adjust to their new lives.

The Role of Mental Skills Training

Beyond addressing mental health issues, teams are also incorporating mental skills training to enhance performance. These techniques, which include mindfulness, visualization, and emotional regulation, help players improve focus, resilience, and emotional balance. As Nyaka NiiLampti, the NFL’s vice president of clinical and wellness services, explains, “There’s also an increase in the recognition that you can’t have optimal physical performance if you’re not optimizing mental performance.”

Overcoming Stigma and Promoting Help-Seeking

One of the biggest challenges in addressing mental health is overcoming the stigma associated with seeking help. Former players like T.J. Lang have acknowledged that, in the past, there was a sense of pride in keeping things to oneself. However, the culture is changing.

The NFL and NFLPA are actively working to destigmatize mental health through:

Education: Providing education about mental health to players, coaches, and staff.
Open Dialogue: Encouraging open conversations about mental health within teams.
Player Perspectives: Sharing stories of players who have prioritized their mental health.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Mental Health in the NFL

In 2025, the NFL’s commitment to player mental health is stronger than ever. The league and its teams are investing in resources, implementing innovative programs, and working to create a culture of support. While challenges remain, the progress made in recent years is undeniable.

The focus on mental health is not just a matter of player well-being; it’s also about performance. By recognizing the importance of a healthy mind, NFL teams are not only supporting their players but also investing in their success on the field. As the league continues to evolve, mental health will undoubtedly remain a top priority, ensuring that players have the resources they need to thrive both on and off the field.