UNC football player goes public about his battle with depression

Posted Jun 17, 2019
June 7 is a day UNC defensive end Jake Lawler won't ever forget. It's the day he went public with his years-long battle with depression, posting a deeply personal essay about his struggles since middle school. By letting the world know of his hurt, he's hoping to help others walking the same tightrope. "I wrote it for people like me. I wanted to reach out." (ABC 11)

Related: Football, Football Recruiting

Former UNC running back Elijah Green challenges the conversation surrounding athlete mental health
Making the jump to college football at UNC, Elijah Green had a problem: he couldn’t catch the ball. Elijah arrived in Chapel Hill in 2020...
Tue Aug 4, 2026

Shaquille O’Neal Featured Among 2026 Performers for Chapel Thrill Concert Series
UNC has announced its setlist for the 2026 Chapel Thrill Concert Series. The series is part of the school’s “Chapel Thrill Game Day,” which debuted...
Tue Aug 4, 2026

What Will Bobby Petrino's UNC Offense Be Built On?
If you've heard Bobby Petrino speak since becoming UNC's offensive coordinator in January, it's clear his offense will be predicated on running the football. In...
Tue Aug 4, 2026

Melkart Abou Jaoude Named To Bronko Nagurski Trophy Preseason Watch List
UNC defensive lineman Melkart Abou Jaoude has been named to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy Preseason Watch List, presented annually to the top defensive player in...
Tue Aug 4, 2026