Former NFL players talk to soldiers about how to cope with rapid transformations, like injuries and being out of work.
/ FOX21: Aly Myles
FORT CARSON, COLO. -- Four former NFL players visited the Mountain Post Sunday for 'Game Day' as part of the Real Warriors campaign.
The campaign's main objective is to help create recovery and support reintegrations for returning service members and their family.
Each of the players said it's something they can relate to.
"We're so macho as men, we figure we have to take everything on our shoulders. You don't have to do that," Leonard Renfro, a former Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle, said. "There's nothing wrong with saying 'I need a little help. Can you help me?'"
Renfro isn't the only one. Chris Sanders, a former wide receiver for the Houston Oilers, said he struggled with loss after his retirement in multiple fashions.
"I went through those struggles. I went through the depression. I went through the doubt. I went through losing all my money. I went through losing my marriage. All those things a lot of the troops go through and I didn't want any help. But, until I had to go out and to seek help, that's when things started to change," Sanders said. "That's why I truly believe in the Real Warriors Campaign."
Sean Tufts, a former linebacker for the Carolina Panthers and Cleveland Browns, spoke to a group of the soldiers before the Broncos/Steelers game began. He said it was because he wouldn't ask for help that his knee injury went from bad to inoperable.
"Had I just told people instead of hiding it, I would've missed maybe three games," Tuft explained. "Instead, I lost my career. I don't have a career because of that injury."
Justin Sandy, a former safety for the Tennessee Titans, said whether the injuries are physical or mental, there's still a recovery time.
"If you have an injury to your brain, where do you go? Who do you talk to? I think that's where the Real Warriors really comes into play because they're stepping up," Sandy said. "They're stepping up to the plate and filling that role for these soldiers. They have somewhere to go to, to get help, and to get healed."
Many of the soldiers said they found their words inspiring.
"You just got to keep your head up, like they said," Alexander Walter, an injured active soldier, said. "Ask for help. Don't be afraid."
The players stayed for autographs and to watch the game at The Hub on post.
Sean Tufts, a former linebacker for the Carolina Panthers and Cleveland Browns, spoke to a group of the soldiers before the Broncos/Steelers game began. He said it was because he wouldn't ask for help that his knee injury went from bad to inoperable.
"Had I just told people instead of hiding it, I would've missed maybe three games," Tuft explained. "Instead, I lost my career. I don't have a career because of that injury."
Justin Sandy, a former safety for the Tennessee Titans, said whether the injuries are physical or mental, there's still a recovery time.
"If you have an injury to your brain, where do you go? Who do you talk to? I think that's where the Real Warriors really comes into play because they're stepping up," Sandy said. "They're stepping up to the plate and filling that role for these soldiers. They have somewhere to go to, to get help, and to get healed."
Many of the soldiers said they found their words inspiring.
"You just got to keep your head up, like they said," Alexander Walter, an injured active soldier, said. "Ask for help. Don't be afraid."
The players stayed for autographs and to watch the game at The Hub on post.
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