Jets wide receiver Quincy Enunwa is getting a head start on his post-NFL desire to help people with mental health issues.
Enunwa has long been a proponent of mental health awareness. He recently held a live Q&A session about mental health on the official NFL Players Association Twitter account and told ESPN’s Rich Cimini in May that he wants to become a sports-performance therapist once his playing days come to an end.
“Helping guys with their mental health,” Enunwa said. “That’s my goal.”
With a neck injury sidelining him for the entire 2020 season and putting his career in serious jeopardy, Enunwa is making the most of his time away from football. With a little help from his wife, the 28-year-old is doing his part to give back and help those dealing with mental health issues, taking to Instagram to bring awareness to the cause.
“I was once somebody who didn’t think I could be affected by mental illness,” Enunwa said on Thursday. “I always believed my will would push me through any issue. If I was really a ‘Man,’ I could deal with my own problems. I managed to live that way for a while, and then I injured my neck again. Suddenly, just being a man wasn’t enough. I needed something to help me figure out what I was going through.
“Long story short, I found therapy and in it a space to process not only what I was going through, but also my relationships, friendships, and being black in America. Some people may think, “But Q, you just signed a 4-year extension, I would have just wiped my tears with those dollar bills,” and to that, I say you right, but mental illness doesn’t discriminate.”
Enunwa continued his promotion of mental health awareness through face masks his wife has created amid the COVID-19 pandemic, stating that all proceeds from purchases will be donated to multiple organizations that “aim to provide culturally affirming therapy to people of color.”
“My wife created and is selling #BlackFeelingsMatter masks,” Enunwa said. When people are continually looking for ways to give back, she’s found an amazing one. 100% of proceeds will be donated to @therapyforblackgirls and National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network, which aim to provide culturally affirming therapy to people of color.
“As I continue to evolve and use my platform for change, I refuse to allow my community to continue to struggle in the dark. Asking for help isn’t weak and you’re not alone in your struggle. Like @beastmode said, “Take care of your mental.”
