NAMI Releases NFL Star Chris Hubbard “Strength Over Silence” Video

Jul 15, 2019

Arlington, VA – NAMI today released the latest installment in the “Strength Over Silence” docuseries highlighting the personal story of Chris Hubbard, offensive tackle for the Cleveland Browns. Hubbard’s video was created to raise awareness about mental health conditions, help eliminate stigma and encourage people to seek help. 

“It can be difficult at times for anyone living with a mental health condition to receive the care they need, but everyone deserves equal access to the right treatment at the right time in their community,” said Angela Kimball, Acting CEO. “We appreciate Chris Hubbard’s efforts and openness to decrease the stigma that creates barriers to care.” 

In the video, Hubbard speaks to young football players about his own mental health struggles. He talks about the unique challenges and pressures of playing competitive sports, societal expectations and the importance of asking for help. Reflecting on his youth, Hubbard says, “we were told that if you’re going through something, you might want to push through it, nothing’s wrong with you, be a man. And we never realize it until we get to this deep point in life to where we were like, man, something is going on with me.” 

Hubbard also reveals a life-changing moment from high school when a friend died by suicide after being bullied for being gay and struggling at home. This experience changed his perspective on the importance of getting help for yourself and others.

Hubbard’s video is being released during National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, which was created in 2008 with the goal of raising mental health awareness in diverse communities. NAMI hopes this video will help people talk more openly about mental health and seek help if they need it.  

Throughout the year, NAMI is encouraging people to share stories about why they care about mental health and what they are doing personally or for their communities by using the hashtags #WhyCare and #NAMICares.
Hubbard’s work to encourage awareness in his community and with young athletes is a perfect example of the WhyCare? campaign in action and the importance of Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness. Join the conversation at nami.org | facebook.com/nami | instagram.com/namicommunicate | twitter.com/namicommunicate  #WhyCare and #NAMICares