Alabama Football to Participate in Football Mental Health Week
Alabama football is participating in the third annual College Football Mental Health Week, organized by the Hilinski's Hope Foundation.
Mark and Kym Hilinski founded the Hilinski's Hope Foundation in honor of their son Tyler who took his own life in 2018. Their son was the quarterback for Washington State and suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) which is known to cause depression, anxiety, and many other mental illnesses.
Since Hilinski's death, his parents have traveled around the country advocating for mental health among student athletes.
Beginning on Oct. 1, campuses nationwide will participate in activities that break down the stigma surrounding mental health and offering resources to those who need it. The week ends on Oct. 8.
Alabama head football coach Nick Saban has advocated for his players' mental wellbeing for years.
"The health and wellbeing of our players has always been one of our top priorities at The University of Alabama,” Saban said. “We are proud to partner with Hilinski's Hope as they strive to provide practical tools to student-athletes across the country. Together, our goal is to positively affect the way mental health is viewed and treated in college athletics. Our hope is that every institution will join us in working to provide the best mental care for all student-athletes."
The team will likely wear lime green ribbons with "3" in the middle of their helmets during the Arkansas game on Oct. 1 and the Texas A&M game on Oct. 8 to honor Tyler.