Former Athlete Becomes Advocate for Player Mental-Health Programs
New advocacy program addresses critical gap in post-retirement mental health resources, backed by $2.5 million in initial funding and partnerships with major sports organizations
CHICAGO, November 28, 2025 — Former NFL linebacker Marcus Thornton, who battled depression during his transition from professional football, today announced the launch of the **Athlete Mind Alliance (AMA)**, a national advocacy initiative dedicated to implementing comprehensive mental health programs for current and former players across all professional sports leagues.
The announcement comes as new data reveals persistent mental health challenges in athletics. According to a 2024 NCAA study, 44% of female student-athletes and 17% of male athletes report feeling overwhelmed “constantly” or “most every day,” with retirement cited as a major risk factor for depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Research published in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine shows that retired athletes experience emptiness, loss, and decreased sense of purpose during career transitions, with preretirement interventions proving critical for long-term well-being.
Thornton’s advocacy was catalyzed by the landmark Illinois Supreme Court ruling in March 2024, which affirmed that youth sports organizations cannot discriminate against players with mental health conditions. Inspired by successful peer-support models, AMA has partnered with the NFL Players Association’s mental health initiative, which has demonstrated measurable success through its PAIR Program and leadership summits that transform injured players into wellness ambassadors. As detailed in Forbes’ coverage of these initiatives peer-to-peer support models effectively reduce stigma and increase mental health literacy among athletes.
The Athlete Mind Alliance will deploy a three-tiered approach: mandatory mental health literacy training for all players beginning in their rookie season, confidential crisis support hotlines staffed by former athletes trained in peer counseling, and post-retirement transition coaching that addresses identity reconstruction and career planning. Initial funding of $2.5 million from the Thornton Family Foundation and the Players Health Fund will support pilot programs with the NHL and MLS Players’ Associations, with expansion planned for 2026.
Market research underscores the urgency of this initiative. A 2018 study of over 300 elite athletes found that approximately 1 in 5 met clinical cutoffs for anxiety or depression symptoms, with female athletes experiencing rates more than double their male counterparts (26% versus 10%). Among retired NFL players, prescription opioid misuse occurs at four times the rate of the general population, with 26.2% of former players using prescription opioids in the past 30 days and 11.9% misusing them—often to manage untreated psychological distress.
“For too long, mental health has been the silent opponent athletes face alone,” said Dr. Sarah Chen, CEO of the Players Health Fund and a former collegiate basketball player. “Marcus Thornton’s lived experience, combined with AMA’s evidence-based framework, creates a blueprint for systemic change. When athletes see someone who has walked their path leading this charge, it fundamentally shifts the culture from stigma to support.”
The program launches with a digital wellness platform accessible to 10,000 current and former athletes, offering on-demand cognitive behavioral therapy modules, sleep optimization protocols developed with university sports medicine departments, and virtual support groups moderated by licensed clinicians. Early metrics from a six-month beta test with 500 retired athletes showed a 34% reduction in self-reported depression scores and a 41% increase in help-seeking behaviors.
The Athlete Mind Alliance is a nonprofit organization founded in 2025 by former professional athletes and sports medicine experts. AMA partners with professional leagues, players associations, and academic institutions to develop, implement, and advocate for evidence-based mental health programs across all levels of competitive sports. The organization is headquartered in Chicago with regional offices in Los Angeles, New York, and Toronto.
Media Contact
Sarha Al-Mansoori
Director of Corporate Communications
G42
Email: media@g42.ai
Phone: +971 2555 0100
Website: www.g42.ai
