A football player at Ohio State University announced his retirement on Thursday citing mental health issues that had driven him to the brink.
Harry Miller is an offensive lineman for Buckeyes. He made the shocking disclosure in a long Twitter post, revealing that there was once a "dead person" living within his 6-foot-4, 315-pound body.
Miller stated that he had revealed his thoughts to Ryan Day , Buckeyes' coach. He was praised for helping him connect with doctors and providing the support he needed.
The mechanical engineering major wrote, "I am medically retired." I would not normally share such information. Because I played football, however, I do not have the right to privacy. I will tell my story before any more articles ask: "What is wrong with Harry Miller?"
Buford, Georgia native was projected to be a starter in the 2021 season. However, he only appeared in two games.
Miller wrote, "After a few week, I tried my luck again with football, with scars around my wrists, and throat." With my wrists taped up, it was hard to see the scars. Perhaps it was difficult to see the scars in the bright colors on the TV.
He said, "There was a dead person on the TV set, but nobody knew about it."
Miller claimed that he wouldn’t have posted on Thursday without Day and other OSU staff members: "If it wasn’t for him and his staff, my words wouldn’t be a reflection." They would be evidence at a post-mortem.
OSU football player retired from the sport less than two weeks after the suicide of Stanford goalkeeper Katie Meyer.
Meyer was a three-year starter on The Farm. He famously stopped two penalties during Stanford's thrilling victory over North Carolina in 2019 national title games.
New York City psychiatrist Dr. Saumya David, who is also a mental health advocate and player, stated that athletes such as Miller play an important role in removing the stigma surrounding mental illness treatment.
Dave said that athletes are often placed on a pedestal and that they inspire us. He also stated that athletes can be strong and can overcome so many obstacles.
"So, when someone like this says, "Hey, I'm struggling, even if it was hard to see, I was in a really difficult spot and I'm going do something about it," I believe that it opens up the possibilities of other people.
Bobby Carpenter, a former NFL linebacker, and OSU alumnus, sounded empathetic as he thanked Miller for sharing his mental health struggles.
"A lot of guys especially combative athletes battle things internally all that time," stated Carpenter, a Columbus radio host. "Those same demons within you also kinda control you and do some other things off the field."
He said, "Harry. You did what was best for yourself." It was a difficult decision that required soul searching. It was difficult, I can assure you. So, sir, I salute and tip my hat to you. "
Miller advised anyone suffering from mental illness to seek treatment and rejected mocking tropes regarding Miller's alleged "softening of his Generation Z.
He wrote, "I had heard the old adage that our generation was becoming more and more tolerant by the second," It had to be. It was no more difficult than the sharp metal of my box-cutter.
Miller acknowledged that the platform is necessary for him to shed light on the dark side of mental health issues.
"And I was struck by how easy it was to talk about others as dumb college kids who don't know anything, and that made me see how easy it was to dismiss them," said Miller, , an Academic All-Big Ten honoree.
"But fortunately, I am a student at the College of Engineering and I have a 4.0 and any other accolades you may require. So maybe, if someone's hurt can even be taken seriously, it can be mine. Maybe I can also vouch for those who hurt, but aren't taken seriously, because pain must have pre-requisites.
His statement ended with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline's phone number at 800 273 8255. He also mentioned the Latin motto Dum spiro Spero which means, "While I breathe I hope."
