Ohio State head football coach Ryan Day has long been an advocate for mental health. In a world where mental health is seen as a “weakness” for men, Day has been advocating for the mental health of his players for years. 

Ohio State students were given the opportunity to attend a webinar with Day as the keynote speaker in an event hosted by a variety of organizations at the university, most notably the Undergraduate Student Government, Block O, and the Ohio Union Activities Board. 

Students were able to submit questions before the event and weren’t shy in their questions asking Day about adjusting to a football season during a pandemic. 

“It’s so important to slow down and look at how our players are doing outside of football,” Day said. “When our players need help, we get them help, because it’s about more than football.”

Day himself has a tragic history in relation to mental health, as his father committed suicide when he was only 9 years old. Since that event, Day has learned more about himself and his mental health. 

“My father was the perfect example of the struggles related to mental health,” Day said. “He had everything, a great family, and it was a shock to everyone.” 

Day finished his talk by telling students how important mental health is all of the time, and to rest when needed. 

From a student’s perspective, the event was highly beneficial. 

SSI intern Savannah Deuer said she felt validated to know that even some of the most high-profile people working in sports struggle with their mental health. 

“It was incredible to hear Coach Day talk about his struggles with mental health,” she said. “It made me feel like I wasn’t alone in my struggles during this pandemic.” 

Block O President Nick Wead echoed those same feelings when discussing the event, and said he hopes that Ohio State will provide events like this in the future. 

“Coach Day’s story is so inspiring,” Wead said. “To hear him speak in this context is a rare opportunity, and really helped my mental health.”