Mental Health Support for Tennessee Titans Players

In the high-stakes, high-pressure world of the NFL, mental health has emerged as a critical priority—and the Tennessee Titans have taken bold steps to ensure their players have access to the resources, support, and care they need to thrive both on and off the field. Mental Health Support for Tennessee Titans Players isn’t just a token program; it’s a holistic, team-wide commitment that addresses the unique challenges NFL players face: from the stress of performance expectations and injuries to the demands of fame and life transitions. The Titans’ approach combines professional counseling, peer support, and proactive education, creating a culture where mental health is discussed openly, without stigma, and where players feel empowered to seek help when they need it. This commitment reflects a broader shift in the NFL, but the Titans have tailored their programs to meet the specific needs of their roster, from veteran superstars to rookie draft picks.

Mental Health Support for Tennessee Titans Players begins with a dedicated team of mental health professionals who work exclusively with the franchise, ensuring players have confidential, accessible care. The Titans employ a full-time licensed sports psychologist, Dr. Lisa Torres, who has experience working with elite athletes and specializes in issues like performance anxiety, injury recovery, and post-career planning. Dr. Torres is based at the team’s training facility in Nashville, where she meets with players one-on-one, leads group sessions, and works closely with coaches and trainers to identify players who may be struggling. The Titans also partner with a local mental health clinic to provide 24/7 emergency support, so players can access help at any time—whether it’s after a tough loss, during a personal crisis, or simply on a day when they’re feeling overwhelmed. “Our goal is to make mental health support as easy to access as physical therapy,” Dr. Torres explains. “If a player has a sore shoulder, they go to the trainer. If they’re feeling anxious or stressed, we want them to feel just as comfortable coming to me.” This accessibility has been key to breaking down stigma, with more players seeking support in recent seasons than ever before.

Mental Health Support for Tennessee Titans Players also includes a peer support network, where veteran players mentor younger teammates and share their own experiences with mental health. The program, launched in 2023, pairs rookies with established players who have undergone mental health training and are willing to act as trusted listeners. For example, veteran defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons—who has spoken publicly about his struggles with anxiety during his early NFL career—now mentors rookie defensive linemen, helping them navigate the pressures of their first season. “When I was a rookie, I thought I had to be tough all the time, like I couldn’t admit I was struggling,” Simmons says. “Now, I tell the young guys: asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of strength. It’s how you stay at your best, both on and off the field.” The peer network also organizes monthly “check-in” meetings, where players gather in a casual setting (often at a local restaurant or the team’s practice facility) to talk about non-football topics—like family, hobbies, or challenges they’re facing. These meetings create a sense of camaraderie and trust, reminding players they’re not alone in their struggles.

Mental Health Support for Tennessee Titans Players extends beyond the players themselves to include their families, recognizing that a player’s mental well-being is deeply connected to the health of their loved ones. The Titans host quarterly “Family Mental Health Workshops,” where players’ spouses, children, and parents can learn about topics like stress management, communication, and how to support a loved one through tough times. The workshops are led by Dr. Torres and family therapists, and they include interactive activities and group discussions. For example, during a 2024 workshop, families practiced “active listening” exercises, learning how to ask open-ended questions and provide emotional support without judgment. The Tennessee Titans also provide families with access to their own mental health resources, including referrals to family counselors and support groups for spouses of NFL players. “A player’s family goes through the same ups and downs as the player—they feel the pressure of losses, the stress of injuries, and the demands of the NFL lifestyle,” says Titans Team President Burke Nihill. “By supporting their families, we’re supporting our players indirectly. It’s all part of creating a healthy, stable environment for everyone.”

Mental Health Support for Tennessee Titans Players includes proactive education and training for coaches, staff, and even front office personnel, ensuring everyone in the organization knows how to recognize signs of mental health struggles and respond appropriately. Coaches undergo annual training on topics like identifying burnout, managing player stress, and fostering a positive team culture. The training includes role-playing exercises, where coaches practice having conversations with players who may be struggling, and case studies of NFL players who have benefited from mental health support. The Tennessee Titans also require all staff—from equipment managers to scouts—to complete a basic mental health awareness course, so they can be “eyes and ears” for players and refer them to help if needed. For example, a equipment manager who notices a player is withdrawn or irritable might mention it to Dr. Torres, who can then reach out to the player privately. This team-wide approach ensures mental health is a priority at every level of the organization, not just in the training room or the locker room.

Mental Health Support for Tennessee Titans Players has already shown tangible benefits, from improved on-field performance to higher player retention and better team morale. In 2024, the Titans reported a 30% increase in players seeking mental health support compared to 2022, and coaches noted a decrease in player burnout and locker room tension. Quarterback Will Levis—who has used the team’s mental health resources to manage performance anxiety—credits the program with helping him stay focused during the 2024 playoff push. “Before, I’d let a bad play or a tough loss eat at me for days,” Levis says. “Now, I have tools to reset—whether it’s talking to Dr. Torres, meeting with my peer mentor, or just taking a day to focus on my family. It’s made me a better quarterback and a better person.” As the NFL continues to prioritize mental health, the Titans’ program serves as a model for other franchises, showing that investing in players’ minds is just as important as investing in their bodies. In the end, Mental Health Support for Tennessee Titans Players isn’t just about helping players cope—it’s about helping them thrive, both on the field and in life, and building a team that’s strong, resilient, and united.