Retired Chicago Bears guard Kyle Long says anxiety and depression intensified during his NFL career, reaching a low point at 2015–16 preseason training camp when he could not get off the team bus. He credits therapy and openness with helping him manage his mental health.
Long said the pressure of being an older player, his first injury and expectations to maintain a positive demeanor compounded his stress. He leaned on his father, Howie, and brother, Chris, who both had NFL careers. Long says realizing that 52 teammates were also facing challenges helped him understand he was not alone.
Long has partnered with Johnson & Johnson’s Generation Fine campaign, which aims to challenge stigma around depression care and encourage people to talk with healthcare providers about moving beyond simply feeling “fine.”
