A college football player at a major school is hanging up his cleats following a suicide attempt earlier in the year.
Thomas Cole, who played offensive lineman for the UCLA, announced his decision on Twitter Saturday in an emotional account.
“I haven’t been present at the Wasserman facility for the past six months. This is because at the start of 2022 I made an attempt to take my own life,” wrote Cole, who did not play during the last season. “At first I was regretful that I survived my attempt, but thankfully due to the people at the UCLA hospital, Paradigm residential treatment, and my therapist Meg, I have come to a much brighter outlook for my own future.
“After many months of thorough consideration I have come to the conclusion that football is not conducive for my mental health, and there is more to my life than the game of football,” he added.
Cole recognized his former coaches and teammates, thanking fellow linemen and teammates Benjamin Roy, Garrett DiGiorgio, Noah Pulealii, and Taka Mahe for bringing him “so much joy and laughter in a time of immense personal suffering.”
@UCLAFootball pic.twitter.com/l8jpEB312D
— Thomas Cole (@ThomasCole_SLO) July 16, 2022
“I will forever cheer on the Bruins and wish the football program nothing but success,” he said. “Everyone I interacted with at UCLA, from coaches to teachers, tutors and more thank you so much! You all have had a great impact in my life. For all of those who may be struggling, you are not alone and you are loved. It is ok to ask for help. Thank you to my family for being so loving during this process of learning to live again,” Cole concluded.
Cole is not alone in announcing plans to step away from football. In June, UCLA defensive back Martell Irby announced he was retiring from football, noting mental health concerns. Back in March, Ohio State offensive lineman Harry Miller announced he was quitting the sport after struggles with mental health and an attempted suicide.
Suicides among college student-athletes have become a growing concern following multiple notable cases over the past year. Stanford soccer goalkeeper Katie Meyer’s cause of death by suicide in March included her parents speaking out to help others.
Cole’s announcement also comes as the nation’s new 988 suicide prevention hotline launches nationwide. The three-digit number will now allow a person to call or text the National Suicide Prevention Hotline through the use of the code, allowing direct access to a mental health professional.
The 988 hotline is designed to provide 24/7 free and confidential emotional support across the country to those in mental health distress. The service consists of a national network of over 200 local crisis centers that combines “custom local care and resources with national standards and best practices.”
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a free hotline for individuals in crisis or distress or for those looking to help someone else. It is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255.