Ex-NFL Star Willis McGahee Says He Had Suicidal Thoughts After Retirement

Former NFL operating again Willis McGahee is opening up on the darkish place he was in after his profession led to 2013 … revealing he contemplated taking his personal life “a couple times” as he struggled to search out his function off the gridiron.

42-year-old McGahee — who performed within the NFL from 2003-2013 — detailed his points adjusting to life after soccer in an interview with The Athletic on Thursday … saying, “When it’s gone, you really have nothing to fall back on.”

“It’s just a lot coming at you, man, and it gets mentally tough.”

McGahee was a stellar operating again, however his profession was stricken by numerous accidents. Regardless of his recurring illnesses, he managed to earn greater than 8,400 yards and 65 touchdowns on the bottom … including over 1,300 yards and one other 5 touchdowns receiving.

Though he felt like he might nonetheless play following the 2013 season, the league felt in any other case … and he was pressured to maneuver on — one thing he mentioned he actually struggled with within the years following.

McGahee mentioned he has gotten higher along with his psychological well being struggles by going to remedy and specializing in his 10 youngsters — however his bodily ache continues to today, and he claims the NFL is abandoning gamers like him who need assistance via its incapacity advantages.

Whereas McGahee mentioned he’s receiving line-of-duty advantages for substantial incapacity attributable to NFL actions, he mentioned he’s constantly getting shut down from accumulating any type of help for neurocognitive impairment — which led to a lawsuit.

“It’s not benefiting the players who are really, actually hurt and going through stuff in life,” McGahee mentioned. “They’re not taking care of us. It’s a sham. I’m tired of it. Somebody has to step up and do something about it.”

McGahee defined he would do all of it once more if he might … however finally, a choice he’ll need to take care of shifting ahead.

“I don’t regret it,” McGahee mentioned. “But it’s something I’ve got to deal with now.”