Mental health
FILE - In this Jan. 11, 2020, file photo, Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love heads up the court after making a 3-point basket against the Denver Nuggets during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Denver. Love received the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage at the ESPY Awards on Sunday, June 21, 2020, for sparking a national conversation about mental health. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)
The ESPYS focus on honors, pandemic and racial justice

By Beth Harris Jun. 21, 2020 11:29 PM EDT

FILE - In this June 11, 1997 file photo, Chicago Bulls Scottie Pippen, right, embraces an exhausted Michael Jordan following their win in Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz, in Salt Lake City. The flu-like illness Jordan fought through to lead the Bulls to a crucial victory in the 1997 NBA Finals created instant fodder for the virtue of perseverance. Pushing past boundaries, overcoming obstacles and adversity — that is part of the ethos of major competitive sports. That is how elite athletes become wired to win. (AP Photo/Jack Smith, File)
Mental stress for athletes: From 'let's play' to 'stay home'

By Dave Campbell Apr. 22, 2020 02:09 AM EDT

FILE - In this May 18, 2019, file photo, horses in the day's eleventh horse race pass part of a closed grandstand at Pimlico Race Course ahead of the Preakness Stakes horse race in Baltimore. A measure in Maryland to redevelop Pimlico Race Course to keep the second leg of horse racing's Triple Crown in Baltimore is scheduled for a hearing before state lawmakers. The “Racing and Community Development Act of 2020” is set for a hearing before the House Ways and Means Committee on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)
The Latest: NCAA suspends infraction hearings, arguments

By The Associated Press Apr. 03, 2020 01:47 PM EDT

On eve of Hall vote, Faneca focusing on family, not football

By Will Graves Jan. 30, 2020 01:58 PM EST
PITTSBURGH (AP) — The most important lead block of Alan Faneca's life came far away the football field. It's the aftermath of that block...

FILE - In this Oct. 12, 2017, file photo, Philadelphia Eagles' Brandon Brooks (79) sits on the bench during the second half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, N.C. Brooks said pressure of trying to live up to a new contract led to an anxiety attack that forced him out of the Philadelphia Eagles’ game last Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019. Brooks has dealt with anxiety for several years but has started 50 straight games, including the playoffs. But he recently signed a four-year, $54.2 million contract and it weighed on his mind. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone, File)
Eagles star guard Brandon Brooks talks openly about anxiety

Nov. 26, 2019 09:48 PM EST

Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) is injured as he fumbles and is pulled down by Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter and Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen (97) watches during the half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Matt Marton)
Everson Griffen's return to form energizes Vikings defense

By Brian Hall Oct. 09, 2019 07:05 PM EDT

FILE - In this Saturday, Aug. 4, 2018 file photo, Former NFL player Brian Dawkins delivers his speech during an induction ceremony at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. Brian Dawkins is tackling mental health issues the same aggressive way he took on anyone who dared cross the middle during his Hall of Fame career as a safety for the Philadelphia Eagles and Denver Broncos. Since revealing he suffered from depression and had suicidal thoughts early in his playing career, Dawkins has been on a mission to spread awareness. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane, File)
Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins tackling mental wellness head on

By Rob Maaddi Jun. 20, 2019 12:08 PM EDT

FILE - In this Jan. 31, 2013, file photo, former NFL quarterback Eric Hipple speaks during an NFL Player Health and Safety press conference in New Orleans. Atlanta Falcons guard Ben Garland and former Detroit Lions quarterback Eric Hipple are the finalists for the NFL's Salute To Service Award. The recipient of the award, presented by USAA, will be revealed on Feb. 2 during the NFL Honors show when The Associated Press announces its annual league awards, including MVP. (AP Photo/Doug Benc)
Falcons G Garland, former Lions QB Hipple award finalists

By Barry Wilner Jan. 17, 2019 01:08 PM EST