NFL Player Quinn Pitcock Returns after Tackling Depression and Video Game Addiction
Former Ohio State All-American defensive tackle Quinn Pitcock is back in the league after a two-year absence due to depression and video game addiction. After playing with the Colts in 2007, he withdrew from the league in 2008. “I was a hermit for a year,” he said. “No one knew where I was at.”
Now practicing with the Seattle Seahawks, Pitcock said he was suffering from bouts of depression and used video games as an outlet, eventually becoming “lost to the world” at age 24.
Pitcock told the News Tribune that he was enjoying practicing with the Seahawks and that his teammates were very welcoming. He explained that some guys don’t know why he left the NFL, and he’s fine with that. He added that he wasn’t mentally strong enough for the team at the time, and that it was best for both himself and the team to leave.
Though it took him a while to re-enter society, Pitcock said he later found out that many athletes suffer from depression and anxiety, and that many people just aren’t open about it due to the social stigma that is attached to these issues.
Pitcock also plans to set up a charity for kids with similar addiction programs.
Sources: Sportsgrid.com, Glenn Davis, Quinn Pitcock Attempts NFL Comeback after Video Game Addiction, August 6, 2010
The News Tribune, Eric Williams, Curry Missed Fourth Day of Practive, DT Pitcock in the Fold, August 5, 2010
