The National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) has taken significant steps to prioritize the mental health and well-being of its athletes. In 2019, the NFLPA formed a Comprehensive Mental Health and Wellness Committee and mandated teams to retain a Behavioral Health Team Clinician to support player mental health. The union has created a robust directory of vetted clinicians in and around team cities to provide quick access to mental health treatment. Currently, the NFLPA has 107 clinicians in its directory, with plans to add more. Director of Player Wellness, Dr. Amber Cargill, emphasizes the importance of connecting players to mental health resources quickly to ensure they receive the support they need.
For Mental Health Awareness Month, the NFLPA is highlighting players and how they address their mental health challenges. Dr. Cargill acts as a bridge between players and mental health services, helping them connect with clinicians for ongoing treatment. She notes that professional athletes face the same mental health issues as the general public, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, and stress. Players also have unique stressors related to job security and personal lives. Dr. Cargill takes pride in ensuring players have a positive experience when accessing mental health resources through the NFLPA.
The NFLPA offers a range of programs to support players’ mental health, including the Players Association Injured Reserve Program (PAIR). This program guides players through their recovery journey and educates them on the psychological impacts of injury. The NFLPA adapted its services during the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure minimal disruption, with the PAIR program now back fully in-person. Dr. Cargill also works with the NFL Substances of Abuse Program, serving as a liaison between players and the program to ensure they receive the necessary support.
Dr. Cargill highlights the success stories of the mental health initiative at the NFLPA, with players becoming ambassadors for wellness after experiencing the benefits of the programs. Education and de-stigmatization play a crucial role in promoting mental health awareness and seeking help among players. The NFLPA is focused on helping players understand what to do when they’re struggling, as many elite athletes may not be tuned into their emotional states. Dr. Cargill is committed to providing additional education and resources to support players in their mental health journey.
Under Dr. Cargill’s leadership, the NFLPA has implemented a variety of mental health resources and programs to support its athletes. The union is dedicated to ensuring players have access to the resources they need to prioritize their mental health and well-being. By highlighting players’ stories and experiences with mental health, the NFLPA is working to break down stigmas and promote open conversations around mental health in professional sports. Through these initiatives, the NFLPA is setting an example for other sports leagues and players associations to prioritize the mental health of their athletes.
