In an article published by himself to NFL.com, former NFL star Steve Smith Sr. opened up about his depression that he dealt with throughout the course of his career. He said that despite the success that was achieved, he still felt alone in everything.
“Despite all of my achievements, I routinely felt trapped, inferior and alone,” said Smith. “This overwhelmed me internally and often left me mentally, physically and emotionally broken.”
He was down on himself to the point where that he was so sad and mad despite the Panthers beating the Eagles 10-3 in the 2003 NFC Championship Game. Carolina had an awful performance despite getting the W and it didn’t sit well with him at all.
Smith went on to say that seeking counseling in 2013 was a major breakthrough in his life in dealing with this depression. He said that he felt so much pressure playing in the NFL but ever since his last game, he finally feels free.
“I’ve learned through hours and hours of counseling — and am still learning — so much about the battle I fight within. I find myself, as an extreme introvert defined by my counselor, looking for excuses on how to avoid large crowds and retreating during public appearances, big events and even family gatherings. Being in public is a constant struggle, not because I don’t want to attract attention or think I’m ‘important, but because of my inner battle.”
Smith’s story goes to show that no matter how much money an athlete makes or how how much they succeed, people still go through trials and tribulations in life. Gotta be happy for the progress in Smith’s life leading up to now.
