Warning: This article discusses suicide
Former NFL quarterback Mark Rypien believes sports head injuries should be taken far more seriously for mental health reasons.
Rypien spent 11 years playing American football, winning two Super Bowls with the Washington Redskins during his career.
Throughout his time at the top of American sport, the Calgary native suffered several injuries, which have given him a complex range of mental health conditions later in life, including at least one attempt to take his own life.
The NFL has come under scrutiny, with recent studies showing a link between football and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).
A 2017 study found 110 out of 111 former players had the disease that has forced the NFL to change its rules.
American football isn't the only sport with concussion issues. Members of the All Blacks have had their own battles - most notably Dane Coles and Ryan Crotty.
World Rugby has trialled lowering the tackle-line to try limiting the number of dangerous tackles.
Rypien told The AM Show concussions were becoming a massive problem in most sports.
"It predominantly comes from accumulated hits to the head," he said. "In all sports like soccer, rugby, football, even basketball, players and athletes are leaving their sports less of a human than they entered it, and I think it is something we need to look at.
"In rugby, they teach you proper tackling, while in football, they use the helmet as a weapon to tackle.
"When your brain gets hit, scientists say it's like a car injury each time your brain gets impacted by another player."
Mental health is a big issue for the 55-year-old, not only because of his own struggles, but because others close to him have also had their struggles.
Rypien's cousin and former NHL player Rick Rypien committed suicide in 2011, after battling depression for years.
He said it was tough for athletes when they retired, as they were not recognised as the superstar they were during their careers.
"To put the Super Bowl ring on and remember those guys who sacrificed for a chance to be a team player and a world championship was great fun.
"But to see some of those players afterwards, some of them on the streets, not even working and not functioning in human compacily, is sad.
"Once the light goes off and the days are done, nobody is patting you on the back and telling you how great you are.
"People put you on a pedestal and now you're not that anymore, and you feel worthless.
"It was a dark place - it was years ago and now I'm a much better place. I have a great support group, a good group of doctors and friends who will take you through it."
He said he'd go back in time and do something else with his life if he had the choice.
"If I was good at baseball, I might have stuck with that," he said. "Both my brothers played it, but that is another sport where you're not free of injuries.
"Both my brothers were catchers and they were run over at home plate."
Rypien is working on an app to help others who are struggling with mental health.
"We're making a movement now and an app, which we're calling 'Got Your Six' - meaning 'got your back' or 'six o'clock'.
"You will have the six closest people around you that are conforming to help you and see signs where they will be able to reach out."
Rypien is visiting New Zealand for the Steven Adams Golf Invitational this weekend.
The Canadian often competes in charity tournaments at various locations around the world.
He has twice won the American Century Championship, a celebrity tournament held in Nevada each July.
Where to find help and support:
Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
Samaritans - 0800 726 666
Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
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