The Players Tribune

Football

ALL STORIES

For the first time, somebody was telling me, This isn’t your fault. Something is doing this to you. And we can fix it.

Jermichael Finley

I am truly in awe of my mom. I don’t know how else to put it, really. And her selflessness has inspired me in more ways than she will ever know.

David Nelson, with annotations from his mom, Kathy Belcoff

I had it all — money, fame, a Super Bowl ring. I was ballin’, on the field and off. I was living the dream. Then, in 2008, I took a gun into a New York City nig

Plaxico Burress

It’s important to me that people know that Myles Garrett is much more than just a football player.

Lawrence Garrett

I don’t want you to think that a big arm is the only thing that got me here. I’m a football player. And I’m ready to do the job as your quarterback.

Patrick Mahomes

Dear 21-year-old Ryan: I’m sorry to have to tell you this, but the truth is… You don’t know shit.

Ryan Leaf

My cousin didn’t believe me when I told him I’d seen a dead body down the road. I was 12 when it happened.

Shane Ray

Earning a football scholarship took a lifetime. But facing the possibility of having it all taken away occurred in the blink of an eye.

Tayvon Bowers

Dear NFL Coaches and General Managers: I know what you’re looking for in a football player.

JuJu Smith-Schuster

I’m writing you today to let you know that I am more than the guy who beat cancer.

James Conner

Since my surgery, I’ve realized something: Nothing’s gonna stop me now. And you know what? I’mma come back as a monster.

Sidney Jones

We all called him Poppa Rooney, because he really was like a father figure to so many of us.

Hines Ward, Jerome Bettis, Cameron Heyward, Ryan Shazier, Ike Taylor, Thomas Tull

Malcolm Butler describes life in the spotlight after making the game-winning interception at Super Bowl XLIX.

Malcolm Butler

If I can help save one life by sharing Brandon’s story, then I guess I will have proven that Brandon was wrong. His life did have meaning. It still does, even i

Ben Heeney

Today, I have a treat for you. My friend, my teammate, Leonard Johnson will be whippin' up a dish.

Cam Newton

I'm never going to forget where I lost my voice. And also found it.

Calais Campbell

The truth is, every NFL player is gambling with his future, betting that the return on his investment will far surpass the risks and sacrifices to his body and

Emmanuel Acho

How do I tell the city of Chicago and the Bears organization how much I love and appreciate them?

Alshon Jeffery

Everyone thinks they know Alabama. It’s like I don’t even have to ask people. I can already tell what they're thinking.

Jonathan Allen