University of Oregon quarterback Dante Moore has revealed his struggles with mental health issues due to the pressure he faces while playing college football.
A letter written by Moore and addressed to Governor of Oregon Tina Kotek was shared with The Oregonian/OregonLive and was published on Monday.
In the correspondence, Moore disclosed his battle with depression and advocated for greater support for mental health services in the state.
‘Early in my college career, I found myself struggling deeply: I was depressed,’ Moore wrote in the letter dated March 3.
‘The pressure and expectations that come with playing quarterback at a high level felt overwhelming at 18. Around that same time, my mother was diagnosed with cancer.
‘Watching her endure chemotherapy while I tried to stay focused on school and football challenged me mentally and emotionally. It was heavy in ways that are difficult to put into words.’
Oregon quarterback Dante Moore detailed his battle with depression in an open letter
Moore says the pressure of football and the fear of losing his mother to cancer affected him
The letter, written to Oregon’s governor, advocated for expanding mental health services
His mother, Jera Bohlen-Moore, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 while he was attending UCLA. She was later declared cancer-free in the summer of 2024.
Since that diagnosis was announced, Moore has continued to support cancer awareness initiatives.
‘In my life, what made the difference was support,’ Moore wrote. ‘Support from my friends, love from my family, and access to the resources I needed to get better.
‘As a young Black man and athlete, reaching out for help can often feel like climbing an uphill battle. It required vulnerability and trust, and I was fortunate to get the care I needed.’
Moore says his letter to Kotek was an effort to protect and expand virtual mental health services in Oregon, which he said helped him.
The quarterback said the issue of mental health has impacted him on and off the field.
‘I recently challenged my teammates to lead beyond the field and use our platform to support people who feel voiceless,’ Moore wrote. ‘Leadership is not just about what we do on Saturdays — it is about who we stand up for every day. As a quarterback, I am expected to lead, stay composed, and carry responsibility for my team.
‘Learning how to care for my own mental health made me a better leader, teammate, and student. I know what it feels like to struggle in silence. I also know what it feels like to be supported and to come back stronger. That support saved me.’
