This blog is generally focused on writing, books, etc. However, especially on this historic date, IMHO it made sense to discuss an important timely topic. The Eagle Feather was written to share lessons from my late father to his grandson. Courage, Honesty, and Grit are prevalent themes.
As a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan, I follow the team closely. For my European friends, or those unfamiliar with American Football. The Dallas Cowboys are one of the most famous and successful NFL franchises. The position QB for the Dallas Cowboys is one of the highest profile sports jobs in America.
Dak Prescott the Dallas QB is a 27 year old who has displayed class and character both on and off the field. He is deeply respected as a leader by his team mates. He is best known for putting his body at risk in a spectacular head over heels flip to win a playoff game for his team.
Dak came from a broken home, his mother was taken by Cancer when he was in college, and his brother recently committed suicide. Dak recently came forward about suffering depression as a result of COVID lockdown, and his brother’s suicide.
Skip Bayless who is 68, runs a sports talk show, is an avid Cowboys fan. Skip’s livelihood depends on saying controversial things. He is occasionally entertaining, but the man’s job is to chirp. The media headlines indicate Skip stated a lack of compassion for Dak’s depression revelation.
My $.02 on this, Skip isn’t seeing the forest for the trees here.
First, people should actually watch what Skip said, while I disagree with his opinion, it wasn’t nearly as callous as portrayed in the press. He basically said Dak shouldn’t show weakness in a prominent leadership position for multiple reasons. Coming from a military family, I understand this concept. In times of crisis, we look to our leaders for inspiration and strength.
Winston Churchill, the legendary British Prime Minister who courageously defied Hitler when all the chips were down, also suffered from depression. He referred to it as “The Black Dog.” A nation’s leader in wartime is clearly more important than a football player. It made sense for Churchill to keep this under wraps, when his people were looking to him for strength, while the Luftwaffe bombed them daily.
This however isn’t war, but just sports, which is entertainment. What Skip misses is two things. First, times change, the younger generation of men is more expressive about their emotions, which for better or worse is what it is.
However, the most important thing here is though a sports figure, Dak Prescott is one of the highest profile Americans on the planet, and the pandemic is a troubling time for the world. Any number of American’s are experiencing anxiety, depression, etc. these days.
If just one life is saved kudos to Dak. If just one person of any age, wrestling with the dark weight of depression looks to Dak Prescott’s courageous example and seeks help in time, it’s worth it.
This is what Skip is missing.
In the COVID era, sports and other forms of entertainment are clearly needed more so than ever.
The message is clear. Depression doesn’t care if you are the Dallas Cowboys Quarterback, a young, rich, sports hero, it can affect us all.
There is no shame in getting help. Bravo Dak!