Brian Dawkins on Depression, Suicidal Thoughts, and the Fight for Mental Health

What happens when one of the toughest men in the NFL takes off the mask and admits he’s been battling depression?

In this powerful 100th episode of Giving Voice to Depression, NFL Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins opens up about his lifelong struggle with depression, suicidal thoughts, and the pressure of hiding behind toughness. Known as “Weapon X” during his 16 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles and Denver Broncos, Dawkins reveals how silence nearly cost him his life—and how vulnerability, therapy, and faith helped him find freedom.

Dawkins shares candidly about the dangers of holding everything in, the importance of building what he calls a “blessed pack” of supportive people, and how medication, therapy, and prayer worked together in his healing. He also reflects on the lessons he wishes he’d learned earlier, and why he now uses his platform to advocate for mental health awareness, especially for men of color and athletes.

This episode is a reminder that true strength is asking for help—and that depression does not discriminate, even among the strongest.

Link to Brian Dawkins's website: www.briandawkins.com/

Primary Topics Covered:

• Brian Dawkins’ first experience with depression during his NFL rookie year
• The harmful message of “pain is weakness leaving the body”
• Why men, especially athletes, are taught to suppress emotions
• The silent pressure that builds when feelings aren’t expressed
• The moment depression drove him to consider suicide
• How therapy, medication, and faith worked together in his healing
• The power of vulnerability and unmasking
• Building a “blessed pack” of trusted friends and mentors
• Teaching the next generation to talk about feelings
• How daily practices like prayer, meditation, and positive focus help recovery

Timestamps

00:11 Introduction to the 100th episode and hosts’ reflections
 02:09 Brian Dawkins’ NFL career and reputation as “Weapon X”
 02:53 Why he chose to reveal his depression in his Hall of Fame speech
 03:35 What he thought depression was before experiencing it himself
 04:21 Depression hitting hard during his rookie year
 05:06 The culture of silence and “toughness” in sports and masculinity
 06:18 The silent pressure of unspoken pain
 06:35 The concept of a “blessed pack” for support and vulnerability
 07:38 Teaching his kids to express emotions and not fear judgment
 09:00 The role of faith and prayer in his healing
 09:48 How medication and therapy helped him regain perspective
 11:05 Suicidal thoughts and searching for ways to end his life
 12:34 The mask of performance while dying inside
 13:41 Freedom found in authenticity and unmasking
 14:34 How dark times can teach resilience and discipline
 15:54 The role of focus and daily practices in recovery
 16:47 Final message: “You are worth the fight.”
 18:17 Brian’s advocacy work and upcoming foundation
 18:33 Closing reflections from hosts

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