Title: Mike Evans Applauds Johnny Manziel for Opening Up About Mental Health Struggles
Introduction
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver, Mike Evans, recently expressed his support for former Texas A&M teammate, Johnny Manziel, after the release of the Netflix documentary “Untold: Johnny Football.” In the documentary, Manziel revealed his struggles with mental health, including a suicide attempt and living with bipolar disorder. Evans commended Manziel for his bravery in sharing his experiences, highlighting the importance of seeking help and raising awareness about mental health issues.
The Dark Place
Evans admitted that while he knew Manziel was going through a difficult time, he was unaware of the extent of his struggles. In the documentary, Manziel disclosed that he had attempted to end his own life after going on a “$5 million bender.” The revelation came as a shock to Evans, who expressed his concern and care for his former teammate. He emphasized the significance of Manziel’s decision to open up about his suicide attempt, acknowledging that it takes courage to share such personal experiences.
The Plan and the Click
Manziel detailed his plan to spend all his money and take his own life, feeling that it would serve as an excuse and an escape from his troubles. However, fate intervened when “the gun just clicked on him.” This pivotal moment led Manziel to reconsider his actions and seek a different path forward. Evans praised Manziel’s honesty in recounting these events, recognizing the bravery it takes to confront one’s darkest moments.
Living with Bipolar Disorder
In addition to his suicide attempt, Manziel also revealed that he has been living with bipolar disorder since 2017. He admitted to self-medicating as a coping mechanism before finally seeking professional help. Evans commended Manziel for shedding light on his mental health struggles and emphasized that there is nothing wrong with seeking assistance. By sharing his story, Manziel has helped break the stigma surrounding mental health and encouraged others to seek the support they need.
A Good Documentary
Evans watched the documentary on its release night and found it to be a compelling and informative piece. He stated that it answered many questions for people who were curious about Manziel’s journey. Evans, who appears in the documentary alongside Manziel during the Texas A&M Hall of Fame inductions, praised Manziel’s talent and acknowledged the challenges he faced as a young college quarterback thrust into the national spotlight.
The First of His Kind
Evans highlighted the unique position that Manziel found himself in as a college freshman who quickly became a celebrity after winning the Heisman Trophy at just 20 years old. The sudden fame brought with it numerous temptations and distractions, leading to off-field incidents and a growing dissatisfaction with football. Evans acknowledged that Manziel’s time in the NFL came and went quickly, leaving him in a challenging situation.
Conclusion
Mike Evans, a teammate and friend of Johnny Manziel, expressed his admiration for Manziel’s bravery in sharing his mental health struggles. In the documentary “Untold: Johnny Football,” Manziel revealed his suicide attempt and his battle with bipolar disorder. Evans commended Manziel for shedding light on these issues, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and destigmatizing mental health. By sharing his story, Manziel has opened up a dialogue and provided hope for others facing similar challenges.