Professional Glory?
Growing up, it is most sports kids' dream to play on a professional level. We idolize the players we see on TV, hoping to walk in their footsteps one day or get the chance to play alongside them. And while not everyone has the talent to play professionally, the ones that do are praised by their family, friends, and former coaches and teammates. They “made it.” Once a player reaches the professional leagues, it appears that it’s a pretty smooth and stable ride. Whether a player is a starter or not, the paycheck and status of being a professional player should be sufficient enough to make a player happy and satisfied…right?
Not exactly. From an outsider’s perspective, it appears that professional players have it made: playing the sport they enjoy while getting paid millions, flying first class, staying in the best hotels, and eating the best food. What is there not to like? However, the problem with viewing a situation as an outsider is the lack of clarity; we don’t see it for what it looks like inside. An actual player's perspective is much different than yours or mine. We don’t see the trials and tribulations that players go through daily and how they can impact all facets of health: physically, especially, but even more so the mental impact that the professional lifestyle has on a player.
In an earlier blog post, “The “Invisible Injury”: Mental Health and Sport,” personal anecdotes from several professional athletes struggling with mental health were discussed, including DeMar DeRozan, Kevin Love, Simon Biles, and Naiomi Osaka. They were each open and honest with the emotions that they were experiencing; how the constant spotlight and pressure to perform ultimately affected their mental health. In an environment where emotions like depression and anxiety have often been met with a lack of acceptance, athletes such as the ones mentioned above have stepped up in a big way to allow other players to feel comfortable expressing their struggles with mental health. Just recently, Tyrell Terry, a 2020 2nd-round draft pick out of Stanford, retired from the NBA at the age of 22, citing his ongoing struggles with mental health as the reason to step away from the game. To the rest of the world, this decision seemed confusing, maybe even frustrating. But Terry knew it was time to make a change, and he made one of the most difficult decisions of his life. His story is below.
The Story of Tyrell Terry
The message he shared from his Instagram account is shown below:
….
{This message is a very difficult one to share and an emotional one to write.
Today I decided to let go of the game that has formed a large part of my identity. Something that has guided my path since I took my first steps. While I have achieved amazing accomplishments, created unforgettable memories, and made lifelong friends…I’ve also experienced the darkest times of my life. To the point where instead of building me up, it began to destroy me. Where I began to despise and question the value of myself, much more than those surrounding me could ever see or know. Intrusive thoughts, waking up nauseous, and finding myself struggling to take normal breaths because of the rock that would sit on my chest that seemed to weigh more than I could carry. This is just a brief description of the anxiety this sport has caused me, and while I’m grateful for every door it has opened for me, I can’t continue this fight any longer for something I have fallen out of love with.
To most, I will be forever known as a bust, a failure, or a waste of talent. While those may be true when it comes to basketball, it is the biggest failures in life that lead to the greatest success. There is more for me out in this vast world and I am extremely excited to be able to explore that. And for the first time, to be able to find my identity outside of being a basketball player.
I am eternally grateful to those who have believed in me and apologize to those that I have let down. But I’m headed down a different path now, one that will hopefully lead to happiness and being able to love myself again.
Yours truly,
Ty❤️}
(@tyterry_) - Instagram
A message like this from Terry highlights the importance of not jumping to conclusions and judging. Some may thing… “he’s a professional ball player making millions: why would he be unhappy”? It’s important to remember that athletes are human. While there are many privileges that come with being a professional athlete - they still struggle, have challenges, and experience the same emotions that we do. The social pressures of being an athlete in the public eye are undoubtedly difficult, on top of the incredibly demanding schedule and otherworldly level of discipline it takes to progress to the highest levels. Mental health struggles can affect anyone; no amount of skill, status, or fame can make one immune to struggles with depression and anxiety.
While I have achieved amazing accomplishments, created unforgettable memories, and made lifelong friends…I’ve also experienced the darkest times of my life. To the point where instead of building me up, it began to destroy me. Where I began to despise and question the value of myself, much more than those surrounding me could ever see or know.
What’s so menacing about mental health challenges is their invisibility. People like Tyrell probably seemed fine on the surface to his teammates and coaches, but only he knew the reality of what he was facing. The mind can be a very lonely and troubling place; it’s crucial to have a support system of people you can talk to if you’re feeling on edge.
Intrusive thoughts, waking up nauseous, and finding myself struggling to take normal breaths because of the rock that would sit on my chest that seemed to weigh more than I could carry. This is just a brief description of the anxiety this sport has caused me.
Playing in the big leagues is often glorified, but it’s equally important to know the potential adverse effects that players can face at this level. Pressure from coaches and fans and the media constantly hounding players with questions, especially after a bad game. Friends and family members feel like they are owed something for being a part of the athlete’s success. Nearly all of the people surrounding the athlete are asking them for something or needing something from them. Making time for a social life around an incredibly difficult schedule. Feelings of emptiness when accomplishing a lifelong dream does not resolve all of life’s problems or emotional pain.
It is easy to throw rocks at another. It is easy to compare a celebrity’s issues with ours in a negative fashion. Humans love knocking people down who are at the top - but we must remember that the invisible injury can affect any of us. Regardless of our judgments - we must respect, love and treat others the right way.
Takeaway/conclusion
The NBA career of Tyrell Terry had an unexpected ending. He showed a lot of promise and some touted him as a Trae Young 2.0. Unfortunately, Terry has been fighting an internal battle and decided he could not hide his emotions any longer. His decision and story are another positive step toward athletes prioritizing their mental health. Now more than ever, struggles with mental health are on the rise in our fast-paced, social media-driven society. Treat everyone with kindness and respect; you never know the impact your kindness will make.
Resources