inspiring story of the day: “a year ago from today, i thought about taking my own life” – how a.j. brown turned small-town mississippi roots into nfl dominance and mental health advocacy
During the 2020 season, when he was a rising star with the Tennessee Titans, Brown was dealing with depression and suicidal thoughts. In 2021, he first time publicly spoke about reaching that point and encouraged people to talk to someone when they are struggling. Brown was born on June 30, 1997, and grew up playing both football and baseball. In a later conversation reported by ESPN, he spoke about his parents separating when he was around 11 or 12. Brown’s mental-health battle became public in November 2021, although he said the darkest period had come during the 2020 NFL season.
He said he struggled with the change and acted out. He failed seventh grade and said he briefly became involved with the Gangster Disciples. A.J. Brown has built an NFL career on strength, speed and the ability to make difficult catches look easy. But one of the most important parts of his story happened away from the field. His journey from Starkville, Mississippi, to NFL stardom also includes family, fatherhood and a strong belief in helping others. Long before A.J. Brown became an NFL star, his life in Starkville, Mississippi, was shaped by his family and sports. He attended Starkville High School, where he became one of the most highly regarded young athletes in the state. Brown also faced difficult moments during his teenage years. Sports eventually became a major way for him to change direction. Brown played football, baseball and basketball, and his talent quickly made him stand out. At Ole Miss, he became one of the top wide receivers in college football before entering the NFL. At that time, he was playing for the Tennessee Titans and was already establishing himself as one of the league’s top young receivers.
Because brown was not speaking as someone removed from the pressures of professional sport, the message was important.
Reports also said fellow NFL player Elijah Moore checked on Brown during that period. He was a young NFL player in the middle of a successful season, yet he was privately dealing with thoughts that could have cost him his life. Brown later described Moore as someone he considered like family.