Former North Carolina Tar Heel football player Jake Lawler spent three seasons with the program, playing for both Larry Fedora and Mack Brown as a linebacker. But Lawler struggled with mental health and needed a change from the game of football.
And now, he’s opening up about his mental health struggles at UNC to the Charlotte Observer, crediting teammates and head coach Mack Brown for coming to his aid.
The article details the hidden battle Lawler faced with mental health, going unnoticed until roommate and teammate Michael Carter “accidentally found out” about Lawler’s struggles. Carter held Lawler’s ongoing fight with depression in the four corners of their room while being supportive, according to the Charlotte Observer.
The Charlotte native explains his mental health struggles that started before his collegiate career, with suicidal thoughts becoming prevalent as a freshman in High School.
As a member of the 2017 class, Lawler was one of the players that endured the switch from Fedora to the return of Brown. In 2019, Brown held a meeting about his son’s friend who committed suicide, where the Tar Heel coach made it known that they would be there to support the players.
The support was clear, Brown explained how Lawler met with him after the meeting, and shortly after he hooked Lawler up with a therapist to help the young athlete.
Lawler came to UNC as a 6-4, 225-pound four-star defensive end out of Charlotte, North Carolina. Lawler was considered the No. 1 defensive end in the state while committing to UNC.
Lawler is no longer on the football field. Instead, he is one of the writers for the new Disney+ TV show called “The Crossover,” according to the Observer.
“There are a lot of really talented and really smart students at Carolina. Students who are just as driven and devoted to doing what you are passionate about doing. Find those people, and stay with those people.” Jake Lawler ’20, @disneyplus storyteller ➡️ https://t.co/hFNiPwPZsW pic.twitter.com/3JY3S7xRTm
— UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media (@UNCHussman) April 15, 2022
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