Game Day Connects Former NFL Pros with Service Members

Posted by Robyn Mincher, DCoE Communications

Service members at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) in Washington D.C. watched the Chicago Bears triumph over the Seattle Seahawks in Sunday’s playoff game with special guests—a few gridiron pros.

The Game Day event, co-hosted by the Real Warriors Campaign, the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), and JBAB brought service members, family members and former NFL players together to share their passion for football, and discuss their real life experiences and challenges.

Event participants ate, socialized and discussed similar reintegration experiences.

“Transitioning is our common thread,” said Ricky Ervins, former running back for the Washington Redskins and San Francisco 49ers. “When you’re [playing professional football], you’re at the highest peak of your life. When you’re done, you have to figure out how to fit back into real life.”

During halftime, each player gave a short speech on the common psychological health concerns facing those on the football field and the battlefield.

“[When you are] in the NFL or the military, it’s hard to explain what life is like to those not in it,” said Eric Hipple, former quarterback for the Detroit Lions. “We both experience change, transition and physical and psychological stress.”

The players talked about a common feeling that both service members and professional football players often feel: the pressure to maintain and stay in the game—which can keep them from seeking the help they may need.

“We all have images of [ourselves] – we think we’re all super tough, but the real strength is asking for help,” said Ken Harvey, former linebacker for the Washington Redskins and Arizona Cardinals. “In order to become a better football player, you have to seek help and realize you’re not alone in the battle.”

Sunday’s Game Day event at the Bolling Club was the third of five scheduled events co-hosted by the Real Warriors Campaign, an initiative launched by the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE), and NFLPA to promote help-seeking behavior among warriors, veterans, and military families coping with invisible wounds.

"This is a venue to allow an opportunity for our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines to come forward, reach out and talk to someone,” said Navy Capt. John Sears, JBAB commander. “It also gives them a chance to be a good wingman as they say in the Air Force, or shipmate as we say in the Navy. It's better to let it out than keep it in, because it won't get better on its own."

“It’s a teammate mentality,” said Hipple. “We’re sharing the message that it’s not a weakness to ask for support.”

The campaign participants and former players hope to keep sharing that message at the next two Game Day events both scheduled for Jan. 23, 2011, at Fort Carson, Colo. and Fort Campbell, Ky.

To see photos from past events or to be part of the live conversations at the events, follow the Real Warriors Campaign on Twitter @RealWarriors. Check out the Real Warriors Campaign and DCoE websites for more information on psychological health and traumatic brain injury.