FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) — Drue Tranquill, linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs and advocate for mental health awareness, is preparing for his return to Fort Wayne for “Texteractive 2025,” an event organized by RemedyLIVE in support of Mental Health Awareness Month in May.
Tranquill’s journey to the NFL began at Carroll High School in Fort Wayne, before he went on to play at the University of Notre Dame. After being drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2019 NFL Draft, he spent four seasons with the team before signing with the Kansas City Chiefs. In his time with the Chiefs, Tranquill made significant contributions to the team’s defense and was part of their Super Bowl LVIII victory.
Beyond his athletic career, Tranquill has become a prominent voice in advocating for mental health awareness, speaking openly about his own struggles with anxiety. His journey toward mental health advocacy began at an early age, with his mother playing a pivotal role in encouraging him to open up about his feelings.
“I remember my mom at a very young age being very pivotal because it was something I didn’t want to talk about,” Tranquill recalled. “I didn’t want to let people know that I was dealing with these, what I thought at the time, were strange thoughts, nobody else was feeling. My mom, for me, was a source of conversation where I could be open about some of the angst.”
Throughout his life, Tranquill has battled anxiety, and he has found ways to manage it through his faith. He frequently draws strength from Bible verses, such as Psalm 23, memorizing them to calm his mind during moments of distress. “I believe the Word of God is living and active, and is sharper than any two-edged sword,” he said. “When I am able to put scriptures like Psalm 23 to memory in those moments of angst, to draw on that and speak life into myself, it calms my mind.”
His experience with anxiety has influenced his approach to football, where the pressure of performing under the scrutiny of millions of viewers can easily lead to stress and worry. Tranquill believes that being open about these challenges is essential in such a high-pressure environment.
“Athletics is a unique space because you’re in these venues where millions of people are watching, and you don’t know the outcome,” he explained. “You can find yourself worrying, concerning yourself with things out of your control. So, I think having the conversation and being open about it is really important.”
At “Texteractive 2025,” Tranquill will take part in meaningful conversations about mental health. The event will feature a smartphone-enabled game show, a Mission BBQ grab-and-go dinner, and an opportunity for attendees to engage in important discussions about mental health. Tranquill’s personal story and his commitment to destigmatizing mental health struggles will be at the heart of the event, aiming to encourage others to start their own conversations and seek help when needed.
By sharing his story, Tranquill continues to inspire others to prioritize their mental health and recognize that, like any other aspect of health, mental well-being deserves attention, care, and open dialogue.
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