Carson Wentz opens up about mental health

Carson Wentz is opening up about his health — his mental health, that is.

The NFL quarterback got candid in a one-on-one interview with Valley News Live in North Dakota earlier this week, discussing how important it is for professional athletes to freely talk about their mental state and struggles.

“It’s sad that it wasn’t socially acceptable, but I think it’s more understood because I think everyone can relate,” Wentz said in the interview. “I think it’s OK, and people are realizing that it’s OK to not be OK and to talk about it."

Wentz had a difficult 2020 campaign with the Philadelphia Eagles, in part he says because of the mental upheaval he dealt with on and off the gridiron. The 28-year-old, gearing up to start his first season with the Indianapolis Colts, appears to already be in a better place and is prioritizing having someone to talk to when times get tough.

"Everyone’s got somebody in their life, whether it’s a counselor, teammate, friend, brother, wife, pastor, whatever that is, and if they don’t have that, hopefully they can find that," Wentz continued. "I’ve been fortunate to have people in my life when things are going south or I’m struggling to have an honest conversation, to refocus and reframe my mindset, and I think that’s so important for everybody, but especially in the NFL with all the pressures and all the things that get thrown at us."

Wentz was traded to the Colts in March for two draft picks.