Matthew Harris, Former Cornerback, Northwestern University Football

Sidelined Stories

Having experienced multiple concussions in his football career, Northwestern University cornerback Matthew Harris understood the risks he was taking returning to play. Following recovery from another severe concussion, Matthew knew he had some hard decisions to make regarding his future in football. As one of the top cornerbacks in the BIG10 and projected to be an NFL recruit, he made a personal decision to keep pushing towards his dreams and hoped to avoid further brain injury. Unfortunately, the next season he experienced yet another concussion, this one caused by just an average football play. Matthew knew the right decision for him was to discontinue competition due to brain health concerns.

Though confident in his decision, the reality was the emotional toll was significant. In this podcast discussion, Matthew opens up about his experience with identity loss, depression, anxiety, and his hidden battle with suicidal thoughts. He encourages struggling athletes to invest in their mental health in the same manner in which they trained for their physical health as an athlete. Listen to learn more about how Matthew came to train his thinking patterns away from a “deficit-based” mindset and into an “asset-based” mindset.

Matthew discusses the biggest regret he has in his transition out of football and the one thing he wishes he would have pushed himself to do in those months following the end of his football career. In this memorable interview, Matthew reveals the three things that freed him from his dark thoughts and literally saved his life. A don’t miss interview for any athlete struggling to find closure following an end to their sports career. This discussion also provides a sidelined athlete’s support network with useful insights into the psychological impact of a medically forced exit from sport.