‘Game Day’ Events Highlight Similarities between Service Members, NFL Players

By Robyn Mincher, DCoE Strategic Communications

While the careers of NFL football players and service members might seem different, the Real Warriors Campaign highlights that in fact, they may be similar. Throughout January, former NFL players visited military installations across the country, speaking with service members and their families about common reintegration challenges, as well as the resources available to address them. During the events players, service members and families shared heart-to-heart conversations, ate football fare together and cheered on their favorite teams.

These “Game Day” events were developed in 2010 through a partnership with the campaign and the NFL Players Association to encourage service members to reach out when times are tough. Many of the former players told their own stories of having difficulty transitioning out of the NFL, such as former Houston Oilers wide receiver Chris Sanders during his visit to Fort Carson, Colo.

“I went through those struggles,” Sanders told FOX21 News. “I went through the depression. I went through the doubt … and I didn’t want any help. But, until I had to go out and to seek help, that’s when things started to change. That’s why I truly believe in the Real Warriors Campaign.”

Players shared Real Warriors resources, such as tip sheets, videos of military members reaching out for help, and the campaign’s new podcasts. The Real Warriors, Real Advice weekly podcast series feature warriors, veterans and military families highlighting the importance of maintaining psychological resilience and seeking help when there are concerns.

“It's OK to have problems. But we shouldn't [only] focus on the problem, we need to look for the solution,” said former New England Patriots running back Tony Collins at the Fort Bragg, N.C., event. “I want to encourage each of you, when you need help, reach out. It’s not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength.”

The message seemed to resonate with service members.

”You just got to keep your head up, like they said,” Alexander Walter, an injured soldier attending the Fort Carson event, told FOX21 News. “Ask for help. Don't be afraid.”

Along with Fort Bragg and Fort Carson, events were held at Fort Drum, N.Y., Camp Pendleton, Calif., and more recently, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va.

“There are many similarities between the two professions: emphasis on physical fitness, the work preparing for a game or battle, the energy of being a member of the team or unit to accomplish a mission, and the transition into a new environment,” said Dr. Monique Moore, Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE) psychologist. “Hearing these players say ‘I struggle with things too, and it’s OK to reach out and get support’ is a really powerful message.”

The Real Warriors Campaign is a DCoE initiative to promote building resilience, facilitating recovery and supporting reintegration of returning service members, veterans and their families. The campaign encourages help-seeking behavior among the military community.