The Atlanta Falcons went into the 2020 offseason looking for an athletic tight end to fill the void left by Austin Hooper. After trading a second-round pick to the Ravens for Hayden Hurst, the Falcons have seemingly found their man.
And while Hurst is having a career season (41 catches, 459 receiving yards and three touchdowns in 2020), his off-the-field impact has been even greater since arriving in Atlanta. The third-year tight end out of South Carolina shared his story on how mental health issues such as depression nearly cost him his life.
The Falcons released a two-part documentary on Hurst’s struggles, which has helped break the stigma surrounding mental health issues, particularly in sports. Other athletes, including NBA star Kevin Love — who also spoke out about mental health issues in the past — are thanking Hurst for sharing his story.
@haydenrhurst Man…this hit close. You are an inspiration. Saving lives by sharing your truth. Stronger than ever my friend!! https://t.co/DJMbKFT2SR
— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) December 3, 2020
Even the NFC South rival Carolina Panthers were shouting out Hurst on Twitter for his courage.
It takes courage to open up like this. We hope @haydenrhurst's story reaches many.#KeepPounding https://t.co/ctTgBZDDC8
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) December 4, 2020
Hurst made headlines earlier this season for an interaction he had with Dak Prescott, thanking the Cowboys QB for sharing his family’s struggles and helping spread mental health awareness.
#Falcons TE Hayden Hurst and #Cowboys QB Dak Prescott both opened up this offseason about their stories of courage related to mental health.
They met up after Sunday’s game. This is amazing.
(🎥 @AtlantaFalcons)
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) September 22, 2020
It’s great to see Hurst enjoying a breakout season, but it’s clear his impact is being felt well beyond the football field. Hopefully, the Falcons TE will inspire more athletes to speak out.
Thank you to everyone that has reached out to me,or @HHFoundation81 over the last 24hrs. We have had THOUSANDS of people share their support, love and own personal stories of how the piece related to them. I don’t share my story for the likes or follows. I choose to use my story,
— Hayden Hurst (@haydenrhurst) December 4, 2020
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