A former NFL star is speaking out following the tragic loss of a one-time teammate — and his message is striking a nerve across the league. In the wake of the heartbreaking news, the ex-player is calling on the National Football League to take a deeper look at how it supports players beyond the field, particularly when it comes to mental health. As tributes continue to pour in, the conversation is beginning to shift from grief to reflection — with many questioning whether enough is being done behind the scenes to help athletes cope with pressure, transitions, and life after football. Those close to the situation say the loss has exposed difficult realities that don’t always make headlines, despite being felt across locker rooms. The call for change is now gaining momentum among fans and former players alike. But one specific point raised in the message is what’s resonating the most. And it may be the one the league can’t afford to ignore.
AJ GREEN has demanded the NFL to provide more mental health support after the tragic passing of former teammate Rondale Moore.
The pair grew close when they were with the Arizona Cardinals for a two-year period.
AJ Green has called for the NFL to offer more mental health support
It comes after Rondale Moore committed suicide last month
But shockwaves were sent through the NFL when Moore’s death was confirmed at the age of 25 last month.
The Minnesota Vikings’ wide receiver was found in a garage with a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound.
And Moore’s suicide, following years of injury issues, has resulted in Green calling for action to be taken.
In a piece written for The Players’ Tribune, he said: “I know I’m just a former player. I’m no expert.
“But to me there’s a lot that could still be improved in the NFL, as far as how the league is helping its players with their mental health.
“One way I would start is by making it mandatory, if you have a major injury, that you see an independent mental health counselor as part of your rehab.
“And by also making it mandatory, if you have a second major injury, that you see an independent mental health counselor for an extended period of time, even after your rehab.
“In my opinion, if Rondale had those tools, he might still be alive today. And I want to make sure we’re never saying that again about a young NFL player.
“I keep coming back to this one part about it – and it may be the part that’s most heartbreaking to me: Rondale was 25, man. He was so damn young. He really was just a kid.”
Green, 37, has challenged the NFL to stop making statements about being aware of mental health issues unless they prioritize offering help.
Moore passed away at the age of 25
Green bonded with the wide receiver when they were Arizona Cardinals teammates
The former Cincinnati Bengals favorite added: “None of that means anything if the people who are making the football decisions, in private, are viewing mental health issues how I feel like a lot of times they still get viewed: as a red flag.
“That’s the truth. No one in any front office will ever say it out loud. No scout is ever going to put it in a scouting report. But that’s how it’s viewed in this league by a lot of people.
“Stories like Rondale’s will probably keep happening. Because it means we’re telling players that having a mental health issue is going to f*** with their money.
“And if we’re telling players that, then we’re creating an incentive for them to lie about their mental health.
‘If players lie about their mental health, then they’re going to feel shame about their mental health.
Moore was forced to deal with injury issues
Marshawn Kneeland committed suicide after battling mental illness
“And they’re not going to get the help they need – and whatever issues they’re facing are not going to get better, and are probably going to get worse.”
A mental health mandate was established by the NFL and the players’ union in 2019, forcing all franchises to employ a licensed behavioral health therapist.
But Moore’s untimely death came months after Marshawn Kneeland also committed suicide.
It is understood that the Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman, who fled from cops, was battling mental illness.
