Former NFL Player's Suicide Last Year Sparks His Family's Fight to Help Others
You might know Greg Montgomery from his time in the NFL with the Houston Oilers, the Detroit Lions and the Baltimore Ravens. His accomplishments as an NFL punter include being named All Pro and playing in the 1994 Pro Bowl, All AFC twice and All Time Best Punter by The Oilers. But as good as he was at football, Greg struggled with his mental health.
He was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1997 and became a vocal advocate for raising awareness about mental health struggles. Unfortunately Greg succumbed to his own mental health struggles in 2020 when he died by suicide. His family speculates that social isolation resulting from the pandemic contributed to his death.
His sister, Margot Montgomery Moran, joins our guest-host Alisyn Camerota, to share her brother’s story and talk about the foundation that she, along her with father and other brother, Steve, created to honor Greg and continue his mission of helping others with mental illness, The Gregory H. Montgomery Jr. Foundation. Alisyn grew up in the same town as the Montgomery family and was a friend of Greg’s as you’ll hear her talk about.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. We can all help prevent it. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for your or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Call 1-800-273-8255 for free and confidential support 24/7. CHAT is also available at National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.org.
Or visit BeThe1To.com to find the 5-step safety plan for emotional crises mentioned in this episode. #BeThe1To
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This episode is sponsored by Landmark College in Putney, Vermont. It’s the college for students who learn differently! Landmark offers comprehensive supports for students with ADHD and other learning differences, both on campus and online. Learn more HERE!
