Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery reveals that the stress associated with fantasy football contributed to suicidal thoughts during his rookie season. Montgomery credits the support of his nephew and therapy for helping him break free from the negative mindset.
David Montgomery, the Detroit Lions running back, has bravely shared his journey of overcoming suicidal thoughts that were exacerbated by the pressure and criticism from fantasy football managers. In an appearance on Sports Illustrated's "Fantasy Dirt" podcast, Montgomery described the dark period in his rookie season with the Chicago Bears.
"I had a real, real stressful time in the league," he explained. "I was at a point where I would have this suicidal thought, and it was just a depressing and a scary year for me. And, unfortunately, fantasy, the people in fantasy were kind of helping. They were helping me kind of be aided to feeling that way. I was at a point where I was scared to live."
David Montgomery Opens Up About Overcoming Suicidal Thoughts Driven by Fantasy Football Stress
Montgomery has had a successful NFL career, but the intense scrutiny and expectations from fantasy managers pushed him to a breaking point. He recalled the harsh comments and criticism he received when his performance did not meet expectations, adding to the weight he already felt as a professional athlete.
"It's not easy being a professional athlete," Montgomery said. "You have a lot of pressure on you, and then you have the added pressure of fantasy football. I was getting all these messages from people telling me how bad I was, and it was really starting to get to me."
David Montgomery Opens Up About Overcoming Suicidal Thoughts Driven by Fantasy Football Stress
Montgomery's nephew, who is battling leukemia, played a pivotal role in his recovery. A simple phone call from his nephew at a critical moment when he was contemplating suicide had a profound impact.
"I was in a situation to where I was this close to doing something that I knew I shouldn’t have done, that would have changed the trajectory of my life or changed the trajectory of everybody else around me in my life," Montgomery said. "And my nephew called me, right when I was in the midst of doing so. And he didn’t say anything about football. He didn’t say anything about how fast I was. He just said, ‘Uncle Dave, I miss you. How are you doing?’ And my nephew, and it meant so much to me, because my nephew, he has leukemia."
David Montgomery Opens Up About Overcoming Suicidal Thoughts Driven by Fantasy Football Stress
Inspired by his nephew's unwavering love and resilience, Montgomery made a vow to himself to break free from the negative mindset and regain control of his life. He sought professional help and began therapy, which has significantly aided his recovery.
"I got a really good therapist," Montgomery said. "I’ve been working with a therapist for five years now and being able to regulate and express my emotions and being able to allow myself to know that I am enough, you know, and I’ve been through a lot of things. I’ve been through a lot of places where people don’t even know who I am. But I get to create that perception for myself, to how I view myself and how my son views me. And, you know, I’m having the best time of my life. And I’m enjoying life for exactly what it is."
Montgomery's story highlights the importance of mental health awareness and the harmful impact that external pressures can have on individuals. He hopes that by sharing his experience, he can encourage others who may be struggling with similar challenges to seek help and know that they are not alone.
