Alec Anderson, a Buffalo Bills tackle, is becoming a household name as a result of his performance this season. He became viral during the Sunday night snow game when he lifted his top in front of the crowd.
“My first natural reaction was to flash the crowd, but I couldn’t get my shoulder pads high enough,” Anderson said jokingly.
However, Anderson’s three seasons in the NFL have not always been enjoyable.
“My rookie year, I had pretty bad panic attacks,” Anderson explained. “Just being in the NFL, and the stress that comes with it all.”
Anderson signed with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2022. He spent his debut season on the practice squad before being elevated to the regular roster in 2023. Anderson stated at the time that he was not in the best of physical health, which had an impact on him emotionally.
“For me, mental health concerns…”It’s been a struggle to say the least,” Anderson explained. “You’re up and down, and you feel something one day, and the next day you feel completely different.”
Anderson stated that Dr. Desaree Festa, the Bills’ team sports psychologist, assisted him. Spencer Brown, one of his closest teammates, also contributed significantly. Anderson’s first year was spent as a neighbor.
“When people are going through stuff the easiest way to get through is with people, and when you’re legit 300 feet from your best friends on the team it helps out a lot,” says Brown.
Anderson believes that the conversation around mental health is crucial. His grandfather, a veteran, suffered from PTSD. His uncle committed suicide this previous year.
“So I think it’s very important to come out, and speak about these things,” Anderson told the crowd. “Something we all have to be aware about, and sensitive in the aspect of hearing men out, and telling them it is okay to get your emotions out.”
“What’s sad is it’s more of a normal occurrence than people think, but its so ostracized,” Anderson told me. “It feels so foreign especially to young men and little boys because we’re told to suck it up, and move on with our life.”
Anderson promotes for mental health awareness so that more people understand that having personal issues is normal, regardless of who you are.
“We’re all human beings,” Anderson stated.
“A lot of times we think that these athletes are almost prolific, because you know they’re the best of the best,” said Josh Ciullo, a teenage peer advocate for Mental Health Advocates of Western New York.
“I think I’ll start that conversation by mentioning that this is even happening at the professional level…”It teaches people, particularly young people, that one is normal and two is okay,” Ciullo explained.
Anderson wore these cleats last Sunday as part of the NFL’s My Cause, My Cleats promotion. They have the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline logo and the name Silence the Sham, which is a mental health nonprofit.
Anderson stated that he still experiences anxiety, which he addresses through breathing exercises, specifically the Wim Hof breathing method.
“I do those at night before I go to bed, and it recenters myself,” Anderson told me. “On game days, immediately before plays, if I’m racing out there, I take a four-second breath in through my stomach rather than my chest, and then you exhale for six seconds…”Breathing is life.”
Anderson also praises his fiancée Alysha, whom he recently proposed to, as a staunch supporter.
“She changed my life dramatically,” Anderson added. “Makes my days better just to go home, and talk knowing that you have somebody there willing to drop whatever you need and give you your 100%”
Anderson’s message for everyone battling mentally:
“My message is to embrace every facet of your despair, your mental health difficulties that no one knows about, your silent fights, and to fully accept that they are a part of who you are. Understand that it is not a negative element of yourself, and that there is treatment available. You should not feel belittled, ashamed, or afraid to express your feelings.
If you or someone you know is dealing with their mental health, there is always support available.
Erie County Crisis Services: (716) 834-3131.
Contact Niagara County Crisis Services at (716) 285-3515, or call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988.
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