Notre Dame football player sheds light on mental health struggles

On Thanksgiving, a Notre Dame football player took the rather unusual step of sharing how he had struggled with mental health on social media.

While holidays are generally seen as a time for fun and frivolity and happiness, there are no doubt those who are struggling with their mental health this time of year. Perhaps that’s why Notre Dame football player Nolan Ziegler chose Thursday as the day to share his own struggles.

The linebacker, who has missed all but one game of the 2023 season, hasn’t made a secret of the fact that he’s missed that time because of mental health issues. Head coach Marcus Freeman touched on the situation as well back in September.

For obvious reasons, the issues have been kept vague, until now. Ziegler picked the time and place to let people know what he was going through and he explained why he chose to share this weekend.

"“For the past 6 months I had a really bad infection after my surgery. This led to a severe depression. I’m getting the help I needed, I came back letting my ego think it was me and my TMS treatment that saved me. But I have now realized it was God, Family, Notre Dame, Coaches, Teammates, and friends that got me out of the evil zone I was in. I am so Thankful to be here and I can’t wait for Gods plan to help me stay in the No Evil Zone and help others with all their struggles. Happy Thanksgiving and Go Irish”"

Notre Dame football player shares mental health struggles

Obviously talking about this sort of thing is difficult when you aren’t doing it with millions of strangers. It’s also hard when you’re already under a microscope like a Notre Dame football player is, especially during the season.

Nolan Ziegler still wanted people to know what he was going through. Likely in case it could help someone else.