Hayden Hurst's Second Chance in Life | Breaking the Stigma Around Mental Health

Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst always had dreamed of playing in the MLB or the NFL. After some time in the minor leagues his passion for baseball had diminished, which threw his life in flux. He wanted everything to be over. But, he was given a second chance in life, culminating in his NFL dream being accomplished. Listen to Hayden's powerful story of resilience, and together let's break the stigma on mental health.
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[@404SportsBetter]

NFL has to upload this and promote more people need to hear this. Hayden just became one of my favorite players in the league.

[@daniyalashraf5010]

Same

[@gregjones7522]

Aaa I

[@megafrayder736]

Mine to. I never thought as a Panther fan I'd come to admire a guy who plays for Atlanta.

[@vincent9596]

@@megafrayder736 football is more than a sport. It brings people together. Football is family and family is caring.

[@luaystaab2622]

At the Broncos falcons game I met him and he was honestly a SUPER polite person and he was already one of my favorite players just beca of that but after this i love him now

[@andrewg4451]

i understand how he felt. Depression sucks.

[@jacobhowell406]

it really does.. 😪

[@db455]

as do i

[@milosmith8275]

It sucks so damn much, its hell, stay strong everyone. We are the masters of our minds not it’s servant.

[@virallife2538]

I can barely watch this without crying. Death is constantly on my mind. We can’t give up.

[@NickGeeyen]

All my homies love Hayden Hurst

[@quint.5662]

From trying to commit suicide to being a superstar tight end what a story #respectforHAYDEN

[@dalbano_music]

This needs to be played on the pregame show

[@JD-tj2ji]

On german TV this clip was shown on the pregame show. There was so much symphaty and love from our football fans for Haden and Dak. Should be shown in the US as well in these bad times. Love from Germany

[@aberry3200]

wow... I'm sobbing right now... depression is hard. if you have never been through it, you'll never understand. still deal with it to this day. Hayden.. Thank you.

[@LaughingDisciple]

Facts n they say get over it as if it's a switch.

[@__anishmuth__1565]

hope things get better man, i’d try to help but personally haven’t gone through anything like it

[@aberry3200]

some days are better than others, its like riding a roller coaster... some days you get stuck at the bottom. Its not something thats easy to talk about. just always remember... be kind. you never know what your neighbor/coworker/even a good friend is going through inside their head.

[@ladyt4062]

Praying for you and everyone else.

[@rpsharpie]

stay strong my man the world needs you❤️

[@Freydohh]

If you’ve been there, you know. What a guy. He should be proud how far he’s come.

[@rishitg.2448]

Hope you're good Hurst, just know the fans love you!

[@pIp-ss]

I know this feeling. Nothing can fill the lonely void even if the family is present and there. At the end of the day, you can only wait. Not even these words fathom it.

[@Jakeya66]

Hayden Hurst is the most respectable NFL player in my book right now. What a story. I may have cried a few times watching this but I'm so excited to have him as a Bengal! Welcome to Cincinnati bud.

[@LaughingDisciple]

Bro I got clinic anxiety and depression and I'm a joke to everyone at work. I understand. Those who don't have out issue will never understand even if they assume they do

[@goodlookinghonkey8382]

Me too. That's why I hate it that my team losses in epic fashion. I'm like, what else is going to screw up??? God bless you man....over 30 yrs with depression

[@seano.2693]

I’ve been diagnosed with severe anxiety and depression, and I understand the feeling. But please know you are never alone.. people love you and want you around. Keep your head up!

[@goodlookinghonkey8382]

@@seano.2693 right on!

[@joecisneros2256]

Just know bro someone loves u even me from this comment section. I'm praying for ur success

[@setapartaay925]

Semper Fi family. You’re a Marine, you’re NEVER a joke. Coming from a Marine wife and your sister. Prayer, peace and blessings to you! 🥰

[@jeffersonarturojimenezesco3205]

I'm happy you're the Atlanta Falcons TE!!!! Go Falcons Rise Up!!! From Guatemala

[@vincent9596]

i'm happy he become a starter in the NFL with his almost life ending background story.

[@HarryBales]

Depression sucks,makes you feel alone even though you might be surrounded by people

[@bisque2662]

Falcons and Ravens fans respect this man bro

[@adariusspencer5727]

I understand how he felt too and go falcons.

[@kaiz3nberg]

You a hell of a player and person bro I love you

[@generallilsake2828]

I hope that I don’t see any dislikes on this video period! Much love & respect to you Hayden hurst! True Falcons fan until the day that I die.

[@TheLegendaryFolklore]

There will always be selfish people that think it's funny.

[@karenhensley8625]

Yes, You See People,And Reamber That People can Put on A Happy Face,But Underneath They are Hurting on the Inside,So Reamber Please Go Tell Someone, Because That Someone can Help You,And So Can God , So Reamber Anyone, Please Talk To Someone, Because God Put You on Earth For A Reason God Bless Anyone Who's going through Something like THIS, And Please Talk To Someone, PLEASE

[@sethspears8083]

Bengals fan we will embrace him Im rooting for you Hayden!

[@jeffreyhenderson7947]

Hayden's testimony is powerful! God is usibg him as a Beacon for others to emulate. I am glad he is a Bengal!

[@austinadams1645]

Hayden hurst jersey on the way. Ive never felt more related to someone speaking to me through a screen

[@prestoncurry4136]

Welcome aboard Hayden we fans of Cincinnati are behind you full fledge who dey.

[@dustyroads8143]

The 11 people that gave this video a thumbs down are the ones that's are suffering from depression the most and they never experienced the feeling of suicide. Hayden Hurst is now my favorite Falcons player for the fact that a lot of NFL players suffers from depression and never came out to address the situation.

[@cameronporter8610]

Welcome to the Bengals big man. Hope you achieve everything you dreamed of.

[@pjfields2382]

This guy is a straight up dude.. Welcome to the Jungle ..Who Dey

[@ryankerns1518]

The three people who dislike this video are sick

[@daddy_808]

Started from depression to being a top 25 te. So inspirational.

[@Moe_Z_]

Welcome to the bengals hayden we will definitely appreciate everything you are going to do for us

[@ohmg5471]

As a Ravens fan, wish we still kept him. Treat him well because you guys found a diamond.

[@ZeitdiebX]

I know EXACTLY what he’s talking about. Exactly. Really really proud to welcome a guy like that to the Bengals family. He‘ll be a great asset. Not only in terms of sports stats. But as a person. You‘ll be ok. Who Dey 22 🏈🐯

[@grantlafontaine5219]

Watching this documentary has given me so much more respect for this guy welcome to the bengals

[@BeaverThomas]

Welcome to MY Cincinnati Bengals, Hayden. You will be with Family in The Jungle, Brother!

[@Sarah-ig7ul]

It's so valuable for a man in Hayden Hurst's position to be open about his mental health struggles. So many men suffer because they don't feel like they can access help. But him doing it can maybe show other men that it's ok for them to do it too. Proud to have you here in Cincinnati, Hayden. Who Dey!

[@cm5174]

WOW! Talk about courage & strength 💪 Welcome to LA!!

[@chefshannon4897]

Thank you for being so honest Hayden 🙏♥️

[@ElsinoreRacer]

Was feeling bad about losing CJ because he was the sort of guy you could feel confident pulling for. A good guy, a real guy. So I found this. And find the Bengals have picked the same sort of person in Hayden. Welcome home.

[@larsmazulewski3993]

#staystrong #respect #footballbromance 👄👁 from germany/switzerland 🇩🇪🇨🇭 Football is family 🏈 Go Falcons 🏈

[@Maxbps88]

Welcome to Cincinnati - Hayden! You and all the battle depression are loved and matter. Amen and Godspeed.

[@deirdretrentman2414]

Amazing man, and story! I am in tears, I have a 21 year baseball player myself, who has struggled soo soo much with depression, drugs and alcohol, and has spent the last year in a mental/rehab facility, he was released in October, and we never seen him, till he showed up in our driveway 2 weeks ago, a mental mess, bawling, and tried to commit suicide, your story touched my heart, I wish my son would see his worth...

[@rochwilliams4626]

Sorry about your son.

[@ckinahan1]

I hope it worked out. I send you my love and prayers.

[@Jakeya66]

I send you prayers that he has changed his life around!

[@7Rafael7VII]

I'm feeling every single word he says. It's been a hard time for me lately, too. Stay strong! Love from germany! ♥

[@tateskrapka9429]

I needed to see this today

[@VRfever]

I am 28 years old. The same thing happened with me and baseball. I played my way out of college ball with the yips. The way Hayden describes the anxiety and not feeling your hand is spot on. It was horrible. Watching my friends go on and play professionally knowing it could be me lead me down a path of constant drinking to relieve the feelings of depression. My parents have always been there for me but can never understand how horrible it is to lose the ability you were once so good at. To lose your purpose. Unfortunately I didn’t have a second sport to focus on and am still trying to find “what’s next.” This video helps me realize I’m not alone. Hayden, you got a new fan here.

[@kanede9339]

When I heard Hayden say he got a second shot brings me to tears. I lost my uncle to suicide and am just happy to see Hayden get through such a difficult time. You Mr.Hurts are a hero to many and I just wish one day I could meet you and give you a hug for all the positive things you’ve done to help impact so many young people about their mental health. My cousin struggles with depression from my uncle and would love for him to some day meet you.

[@caseyweber9492]

Remember someone loves you. Who dey.

[@taketime0626]

WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE HAYDEN!!!!! Who Dey!!!! 🖤🧡🖤🧡🖤🧡🖤. This Bengals fan of almost 50 years is sooo glad we have you!!!!! Already loved you... but love you even more after hearing you share your story! Depression is very hard to talk about. Thank you for helping others ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️. And again.... welcome to the jungle!!!! ❤️❤️🖤🧡🖤❤️❤️

[@kimbadeau1870]

Powerful!

[@turtleback9409]

Moral of the story: always light at the end of the tunnel☀️ find what you love and do what you love❤️

[@sassylrhg]

You're a vessel, Hayden. You and your Foundation will help many people.

[@lonelyheroclub1387]

Love from KC. This so deeply resonates. Thank you.

[@nkhart5520]

I'm with you..my dude.. such a sincere caring and humble message. Salute from Kansas City

[@derekdeel2580]

The Bengals trade brings me here and I really really like this dude now ...welcome to the jungle Hayden ...thanks 👞 man god bless u dude ....I will be watching you close...

[@slimchancestudios6886]

I never knew of this and now he's my favorite player

[@kayegamble2374]

Can’t wait to see what you do for my bengals Who Dey hurst!!

[@trentt6622]

Excited to have Hayden with the bengals. Huge opportunity!

[@roderickharris7640]

Hayden know you have your family fans and friends who love you and will fight with you stay strong brother!

[@matthewdecker7267]

Hayden just became my favorite player...WHO DEY !!!!....Welcome home Hayden Hurst

[@leonidas8116]

A very very good TE and a very wonderful person!!

[@ratboyrentboy]

Hayden, thank you for saying all of this - I have been diagnosed with Asperger's and General Anxiety Disorder. I've been a Falcons fan since 1991 and your story helps to mainstream mental heath issues and their everyday occurrence. Respect man.

[@Prymo_]

Respect Hurst and am proud to have him as our TE...

[@tmor3864]

Much blessings to you Hayden on the recovery from Depression. You are an inspiration to many thank you.

[@maeldupont826]

I'm deeply depressed since so many years and I can't get out of it, but hearing this still warms my heart

[@ZackFarr92]

Keep going buddy

[@MakaveliRaider]

Keep pushing forward. U will get out of it.

[@thegreengiant1823]

You got this bro

[@fredbologn2344]

♥️ hope life is treating you better

[@Hodgebros]

He is a panther and I am so happy I ❤ this man he is so cool and amazing!

[@JanH_05]

That made me cry man

[@davistroy]

What an awesome story! Thank you Hayden, and thank you Falcons for putting this video up.

[@nickvie71]

You are such a wealthy man, Hayden. Not in a monetary way in the first place as a NFL pro, but much more in a human way. You stumbled throug the deepest, darkest creeks of your soul, but finally got out of it. And you are taking care of others that may be in the exact same situation now, you once have been. No matter how my Falcs will perform this season or ever. To me it´s family. Period! And it´s so good to know you are a part of it. Wearing my Falcs cap with pride, bro! And crush the saints this sunday :)

[@amari_20000]

Thank you soooo much love 🙏🏿💜💜

[@KingHayabusa384]

Well written.

[@atlpeach6852]

Continue to lean into your purpose! We have your back. Well, I know I do. LOL... *whispers: I love you Hayden*

[@countrymouse8917]

People doesn't grasp how bad or how real depression is! I went through it because of Washington state DOC. If it wasn't enough, my acquired family and my twin brother turned their back on me. My mother was overseas dealing with her own health condition, and I done everything possible to keep it away from her for as long as I could. Never taken drugs but had gotten drunk several times. I had almost lost everything. Now I'm doing better. Just getting my life in order a piece at a time.

[@purple_dragon4895]

❤❤❤❤love from us fans

[@vision.marcus747]

I feel everything he was going as falcon fan I’m so glad we have a guy like Hayden on our team and I understand his depression it hurts ❤️🖤

[@johnhui1038]

Been through the yips. It sucks. Glad that Hayden is finding success in football.

[@kaitlynstumpf1313]

How powerful and strong for Hayden to share his story. This will help more people than he knows.

[@michaelbullock5567]

I love this guy. Makes me proud to be a Gamecock alumni, and Panther fan! Keep Pounding, Hayden!!! ❤✝️👍🏼

[@brittanyd3173]

Praise God for Savin Hayden’s life! So thankful for him and his family for taking these experiences, and putting forth the effort to help others. Beautiful testimony

[@ibleedblue0518]

Respect to this guy

[@mauricios4099]

I felt the same way for a while, I'm glad he pulled through and he's with us

[@matthewstreb6886]

Wow. Welcome to the Bengals. Awesome story of triumph.

[@madhurdey6216]

Incredible humility and courage to share this story -- Thank you Hayden, I believe this will impact many people specifically athletes and it will echo in eternity. You are seen and heard.

[@cadenalvis]

The Fans love you Hayden ❤️

[@holgersielaff4594]

My hero of the week or life !!! 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼

[@lancelaywell8536]

I love this guy even more. Cincinnati is going to love you.

[@taketime0626]

Been rooting for you since the Bengals picked you up..... what a joy to watch you blooming!!! Awesome game today again!!!!! Who Dey!!!

[@oggamer9415]

Hayden Hurst earned my respect ✊🏽

[@girlsaywhet1874]

The fact that anyone disliked this is beyond sad and disgusting. Hayden thank you for sharing and speaking up❤️

[@douglaskoester5625]

Thank you Mr. Hurst! I appreciate your authenticity. Your not alone

[@TheLegendaryFolklore]

This man has gone beyond football! 👏👏👏👏👏

[@nalcon1]

Touching story. Welcome to the Chargers. I'm sure Hayden will impact the locker room in a possitive way beyond football.

[@steffir9506]

Hayden, I just want to give you a Big Hug! (((💙))) Who Dey Baby! 🐅🏈

[@jessicaornelas4954]

Falcons is my favorite team and that is my tight end

[@jessicaornelas4954]

And he is my second favorite player

[@billybeasley5019]

Respect you Big Hayden. Who dey

[@julisch94]

This is truly heart-melting.

[@ckinahan1]

Respect due.

[@youngsizzle444]

I'm so proud of him and lucky he's apart of my team

[@cesarjimenez540]

I think I can speak for many others when I say that we’re beyond happy that Hayden Hurst is still here to this day. No way that this reaches him, but thank you for being a voice for those who have gone mute. And thank you for reaching out to my quarterback...you’ve gained thousands more of fans that day. Please, continue to do the good work that you do off the field. You’re a blessing and you’re loved, Hayden.

[@twinrivers6200]

As a fellow Gamecock alum omg, I feel like I must have been rubbing my eyes with onions cause liquid is pouring out. Great man and a hell of an inspiring story!

[@setleem3563]

Thank you Hayden this is an amazing story of Determination

[@lilnarm_smoothblaze]

If there is a hell upon earth it is to be found in a melancholy man’s heart!! “Robert Burton” Amazing human being

[@Ranger.TomGunna]

Who Dey! Welcome to Cincinnati bro.. this was incredible to watch

[@Hodgebros]

What a story! ❤❤❤

[@cannonrogers6090]

This touches so close to home for us... Our son was 17.... Thank you for sharing your story.... Thank you for the push to fight!!!! super hugs from RAWSON's mom!!! #4ever17

[@haroldtollison3363]

Hayden thanks for coming to the A it will be awesome you are doing great for the team keep your head up and thanks for being in the A rise up Atlanta

[@eheshehhshs2164]

He is an upgrade over Austin hooper

[@ajaxofn.e.b6035]

Major....

[@SaturasHH]

This man went through the hell that is depression. He got out of it, succeeds in the sport he loves and encourages millions of people by talking about it. And our phenomenal GM has nothing better to do than to come to the ATL and decide that, after Haydens best career-year so far, he wants to tell him "We won't exercise the option in your contract. You'll be out of here within twelve months." Thankfully, the Bengals understood what this man's worth. Unlike the former Aint, who runs our organization now. Hayden, make your way in the playoffs and keep on being awesome. I mean that from the bottom of my heart. Mr. Fontenot.. just leave.

[@WaveSamu]

what a guy... if anyone needs this right now... there are better times ahead! keep fighting!