NBC Sports Regional Networks announced a partnership with Religion of Sports and Brandon Marshall to develop and produce a mental health documentary. Titled Head Strong: Mental Health and Sports, the hour long special will launch nationwide next month.
The documentary will cover a wide range of mental health issues including anxiety, depression and addiction. Men’s health issues will also be highlighted as its November launch coincides with Men’s Health Awareness Month.
“Mental health issues have been pushed to the forefront of our national conversation,” said Ted Griggs, President, Group Leader and Strategic Production & Programming, NBC Sports Regional Networks, in the press release. “Thanks to athletes like Brandon Marshall, Kevin Love, Michael Phelps, and Missy Franklin, and executives such as NBA commissioner Adam Silver, we know that our sports heroes face mental health challenges, just like so many others. We hope this project will advance that conversation and show people that resources and assistance are available to everyone.”
Former NFL wide receiver, Brandon Marshall will be the documentary’s executive producer as he partners with NBC Sports Regional Networks and Religion of Sports, an Emmy winning media company founded by Tom Brady, Michael Strahan and Gotham Chopra. Diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, Marshall, a six-time Pro Bowler has been open about his dealings with mental health illness and the importance of spreading its awareness.
“This project hits home for me,” said Marshall. “Through HeadStrong, I hope to use my voice to encourage others to talk openly on this subject.”
The mental health initiative will extend beyond the one-hour documentary. Short-form videos, articles, podcasts and other content will be published across NBC Sports Regional Networks digital platforms throughout November.
Brandon Contes is a freelance writer for BSM. He can be found on Twitter @BrandonContes. To reach him by email click here.
