“I knew the game was still going but I left because I’m a gremlin.”

     That was Tampa Bay Buccaneer Wide Receiver Antonio Brown’s response on Instagram following leaving the Tampa Bay/New York Jets game on Sunday for unknown reasons. 

     Brown, a four-time All-Pro, a seven-time Pro-bowl selection, and member of National Football League’s (NFL) 2010 All-Decades team, was unofficially released since then.

     ESPN reported that the Head Tampa Bay Coach Bruce Arians, in his post-game press conference, stated the announcement that Brown is no longer part of the team. 

     In the same article, according to security, “We thought he was a jumper,” adding that as Brown went through the tunnel. Reportedly, Brown asked state troopers for a ride to the airport, but they soon refused.

     Tampa Bay Quarterback Tom Brady showed his support in the post-game press conference. 

     “I think everybody should do what they can to help him in ways that he really needs. We all love him, we care about him deeply.”  

     Some fans are speculating that Brown had a meltdown because he just needed just 8 more catches to unlock a $333,333 bonus, 55 receiving yards to unlock another $333,333 bonus, and just 1 receiving TD to unlock another $333,333 bonus. However, others are theorizing that Brown sat himself out because he’s “ankle injury” came into play. 

     Yesterday, Brown, according to a public letter he sent out to the Buccaneer fans and staff, “I didn’t quit. I was cut. I didn’t walk away from my brothers. I was thrown out. Being fired on the sideline for having a painful injury was bad enough. Then came to their “spin.” Coach denied on national television that he knew about my ankle. That’s 100% inaccurate” 

     Brown’s actions bring to light the mental health of the NFL players.

     Professional Athletes, specifically football players, appear the same mentally; however, some of them are suffering from different challenges, such as confusion, depression, aggression, dementia. 

     These individuals could even suffer from other symptoms, such as a disorder called Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).

      CTE is a progressive brain condition that’s thought to be caused by repeated blows to the head and repeated episodes of concussion. It’s particularly associated with contact sports, such as boxing or American football. CTE can cause many other conditions and mental illnesses, as well.

     Cited from the NFLPA, the NFL and the players’ union have been committed to helping build a positive culture around mental health. The league and the NFLPA agreed in May 2019 to increase mental health resources available to players and club staff.

     The NFL lifeline provides suicide prevention and crisis management, through a hotline number, 1-800-506-0078, or can even have a live chat with their NFL lifeline Support Specialist

     Senior Highlands football player Matteo Matteoli said, “I feel if his statement is true then he has sort of a full reason to be acting how he is on social media but could’ve kept himself more composed on the field.”