Troy Smith, the former Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback who won the 2006 Heisman Trophy, is an advocate for mental health awareness. Despite retiring almost 15 years ago, he remains active in the football community through organizations like “Vertical University.” Smith uses football as a platform to teach young athletes about the importance of prioritizing their mental well-being.
For Smith, promoting mental health awareness is personal. He openly admits that managing his own mental health was one of the most challenging aspects of his football career. Navigating through emotions such as anger, stress, anxiety, and feelings of abandonment taught him the importance of seeking help and breaking down stigma surrounding mental health struggles.
Recently, Smith hosted “The Midwest’s Best” camp at Elyria Catholic High School in northern Ohio. The camp focused on teaching values such as manners and respect while incorporating football drills and training. Smith emphasized the importance of incorporating mental health discussions into sports and daily life, as it is often overlooked but crucial for overall well-being.
Smith believes that starting conversations about mental health at a young age is essential for developing healthy habits that will benefit individuals throughout their lives. By encouraging children to express their feelings and emotions early on, he hopes they will develop better coping mechanisms and seek help when necessary. Ultimately, Smith hopes that by raising awareness and providing support, individuals will feel more empowered to address their mental health needs.
Through his work with “Vertical University” and his recent camp at Elyria Catholic High School, Troy Smith continues to use football as a platform to promote mental well-being among young athletes. His personal journey with managing his own mental health has taught him the importance of seeking help and breaking down stigma surrounding these struggles. By advocating for mental health awareness at all levels of play, he hopes to empower individuals to prioritize their well-being both on and off the field.
