Brian Dawkinsone of the most feared defenders football has ever seen, has always spoken openly about his mental health struggles and how he overcame them.

He took time in his Hall of Fame speech to discuss these issues and continues to defend those who are struggling, including the United States. veterans.

In partnership with USAA, the Wounded Warrior Project and Face The Fight, Dawkins recently traveled to San Antonio to participate in a “ruck walk” aimed at increasing awareness of mental health and, more specifically, mission always important to combat suicide prevention among veterans. .

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Brian Dawkins speaks on SiriusXM at Super Bowl LIII Radio Row on January 31, 2019 in Atlanta. (Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM)

The 5K ruck march is done with bags weighing more than 50 pounds worn across the body, symbolizing the mental and emotional toll veterans endure after fighting for our freedoms.

“To be honest with you, if it was up to me, I wanted more weight,” Dawkins said of weighted backpacks. “I wanted a lot more weight in my bag just for that reason, to know what they sacrificed and the things they had to deal with. Obviously it’s not going to be equivalent, but the symbolic message behind it, which is the weight that they have They were brought, first of all, to be in the military with the training, the discipline to do what they do Then, some of the things that they were asked to do. for the country and the trauma that accompanies these memories.

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“So, all that being said, it was such an honor for me to be in the presence of our heroes, to listen to their stories. To truly and completely shut up to listen to what they wanted to talk about, and what you hear, it’s the resilience of our veterans, the willingness to get back up, to fight, and the fact that they weren’t always in this place. Some of them were in a place they didn’t want to be. get up, they did it, I don’t want to move forward.”

Dawkins posted a video of the event, which also showed a panel discussion with veterans, sharing their stories of struggling with mental health and wanting to help those around them.

Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins speaks after receiving his Hall of Fame ring during a halftime presentation as the Carolina Panthers take on the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on October 21, 2018 in Philadelphia. (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

“First of all, driving to the event and stopping, you recognize right away that you’re in a different place,” Dawkins recalls. “I don’t want to be too graphic for people, but some cats don’t have arms, some cats don’t have legs. Some people are disfigured as far as their face goes, so you’re in a different place, doesn’t it? It strikes you and dawns on you that the reason they are like this is because they were fighting – fighting for the United States.

“The things that our veterans continue to battle with – it depends on each individual and the trauma of their life – but it’s a lifelong fight for these individuals.”

After interacting with veterans and learning about their personal journeys, Dawkins’ appreciation for what they and so many others do to protect our freedoms grew significantly.

Now, being in the position he is in as NFL LegendDawkins is doing his part to get the message out.

Brian Dawkins recently watches him join the Philadelphia Eagles scouting department during practice at NFL football training camp on July 31, 2016 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola, file)

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“I’ve been fortunate enough to have some understanding and gain some strength through my walking and the things I’ve experienced in my life. So if I can then use the platform that I have been blessed, the Lord has blessed I must do this, to now bring more attention and once again amplify the message of our veterans and help them in any way you can help them.

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