WMBCTV: NFL Stars, Students Team Up to Tackle Teen Mental Health

More than 200 students from Newark Public Schools gathered for “Mind Over Matter: Building Your Mental Health Playbook,” a football-themed summit designed to give teens tools to protect their mental well-being and support others in crisis.

“We have all our 17 high schools,” said Samantha Parreiral, Supervisor at The Office of Student Life, Newark Board of Education. “We have 12 students per high school so we have about 200 students.”

The conference featured testimonials from professional athletes who shared personal stories about navigating mental health challenges on and off the field.

“I had the opportunity to live out my childhood dream of signing a 3 year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars,” said Jeremiah Brown, Former NFL Athlete and Mental Health Advocate. “I wish it would’ve been a lot longer. They say the NFL is not for long. Unfortunately, a career-ending brain injury took me out and I didn’t get to make it through my rookie season… I attach my entire identity to the sport of football… At my most rock buttom moment, I even told myself that I don’t belong here. Clearly I was wrong, so I’ve dedicated my life to advocating.”

Jahan Dotson, wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles shares some insight into the mindset that he says helps him get through his challenges.

“Everyone’s always going through something no matter who you are,” said Dotson. “Everyone’s problems are real and everyone is going through problems… make sure that you better yourself.”

Students in grades 9 through 11 took part in workshops focused on identifying warning signs of mental health struggles, using coping strategies, and accessing resources.

“And we’re going to train them how to recognize mental health signs so a student that’s in crisis, they’ll be able to recognize those signs as well as different coping strategies that they can utilize,” said Samantha Parreiral, Supervisor at The Office of Student Life, Newark Board of Education.

They’ll take that knowledge back to their schools —serving as Mental Health Ambassadors and leading awareness campaigns.

“We’re hoping with the student ambassador role, that they’ll be able to create this club in the school and so they’ll know where to go,” said Samantha Parreiral, Supervisor at The Office of Student Life, Newark Board of Education. “Also with the student support staff and the students will know where to get that support.” 

Mental health coaches and counselors say the topic of mental health is important now more than ever in the post COVID-19 pandemic era.

“I think after the pandemic we definitely see a lot of our students experiencing different signs, symptoms that we want to make sure they’re aware of and that they know what to do and who to talk to,” said Samantha Parreiral, Supervisor at The Office of Student Life, Newark Board of Education.

Advocates say this isn’t just a conference, it’s the beginning of a cultural shift.

“When people can see themselves and say ‘I am the solution to a problem,’ it just provides a sense of being. Like ‘I belong here,’” said Jeremiah Brown, Former NFL Athlete, Mental Health Advocate. “I just want to let anyone know that if you feel lonely, if you feel like you’re alone, you’re not. There are people that don’t know you that are ready to embrace you and to support you, so your job is to find those individuals and if you identify your values, you’ll find yourself not chasing after them, but attracting them.”