We are excited to share that The Defensive Line, in collaboration with The Faith, Fight, Finish Foundation, just launched a month-long initiative with Crisis Text Line as well as the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and Vibrant Emotional Health, the administrator of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. This groundbreaking alliance aims to amplify access to free, around-the-clock mental health and crisis support for individuals in need, coinciding with National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. 

Through a series of collaborative initiatives and outreach efforts, we will work together to expand mental health resources, reduce stigma, and increase awareness about the importance of seeking help during times of crisis. The collaboration represents an unwavering commitment to making crucial support services more accessible and widespread. 

“In 2018, I lost my big sister Ella to suicide. The pain of losing a loved one, especially a family member, to suicide was extremely overwhelming and filled me with a very painful journey of grief and sadness. It’s hard to know where to go for help and to learn how to continue to live this new life,” said Solomon Thomas, a football defensive tackle for the New York Jets. “In honor of my sister, my family and I started The Defensive Line, where our mission is to end the epidemic of youth suicide, especially for young people of color, by transforming how we connect and communicate through mental health.”

Suicide is a public health crisis, particularly among our youth. In 2021, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 40 percent of high school students felt sad or hopeless every day for two or more weeks in a row. Suicide was the second leading cause of death among adolescents after unintentional injury and accounted for approximately one-fifth of all deaths among high school students.

“No matter what you’re going through, being able to share your thoughts and feelings is critical to your mental well-being,” said Dak Prescott, a football quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. “After my brother Jace passed away due to suicide, I had to deal with many emotions, but I learned how to cope through the amazing mental health support I received. This is why the nonprofit organization I founded, Faith Fight Finish, focuses on mental illness by helping people always know that they are not alone, that there is help out there to help you get through the darkest moments in your life.”

Join us as we stand together to ensure no one faces mental health challenges alone. Together, we can make a difference and provide the support and compassion that every individual deserves. 

Lifesaving resources exist to help young people struggling with mental health challenges and everyday stress. For support in English, reach a live Crisis Text Line volunteer Crisis Counselor, text HUDDLE to 741741 or via webchat. For support in Spanish, text AYUDA to 741741 or via webchat.