‘Dejected’ David Montgomery admits having suicidal thoughts because of fantasy football pressure
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery found it hard to cope with the pressure from fantasy football managers.
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Running back David Montgomery (Image via Open Source/X)
The NFL thrives on its legions of fans to continue to earn billions every year. One of the ways the league helps fans to be more involved with the game is Fantasy Football. That simulation helps fans have their own sense of wins and losses.
But what was introduced to give fans something to have fun with can turn serious. Way too seriously, as Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery found out the hard way.
The Lions star appeared as a guest on Sports Illustrated’s fantasy football podcast, Fantasy Dirt. When talking about his experiences with fantasy football players, he revealed some harsh truths of his own.
When I was a rookie, I had a real, real stressful time in the league. I was at a point where I would have this suicidal thought and it was just a depression. It was just a depression. It was just a depression and a scary year for me. And unfortunately, the people in fantasy were kind of helping me be aided to feeling that way. And I was at a point where I was scared to live.
David Montgomery said
Montgomery added that his nephew helped him pull the plug on those thoughts. But a therapist did help him get over those suicidal thoughts.
David Montgomery did not suggest that fantasy football managers forced him to be suicidal. But their pressure added to what he was already facing in his rookie season. In fact, their pressure tipped his mental balance over the edge.
David Montgomery’s nephew’s words saved his life
The Detroit Lions running back proceeded to reveal what his nephew said at the time which made him rethink his purpose in life.
My nephew called me right when I was in the midst of doing so. And he didn’t say anything about football. He didn’t say anything about how fast I was. He just said, ‘Uncle Dave, I miss you. How are you doing?’
David Montgomery said
For the six-year veteran, it came as a jolt, as his nephew, who has leukemia, wanted nothing else but to know how his uncle was doing. That made him realize there are better things to worry about in life.
Especially over what a fantasy football manager wants from him. Athletes face pressure from fans to perform well. Be it in fantasy football or when betting comes to the fore. Some have been vocal about the threats they have received.
It goes to show that athletes have to ensure they have the right people around them to help them through these situations. Evidently, the stress from social media negativities means athletes need to learn how to navigate past them. Or, like some, remove it from their lives.
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Joseph Varghese
(2313 Articles Published)