MEN’S X MENTAL

Seeing these 9 incredible athletes take the field as part of the NFL’s “My Cause, My Cleats”initiative over the last few weeks has filled me with a deep sense of gratitude & pride. Each 1 of these incredible men chose to stand with MEN’S X MENTAL, using their platform to bring awareness to the importance of #MENtalHealth in male athletes. Their willingness to champion this cause was a testaMENt to their strength, resilience, & belief in the power of speaking up, breaking stigmas, & cultivating community through conversation. What began as an idea in a college classroom has grown into a nationwide moveMENt, reaching locker rooms, sidelines, & communities across the country. MXM is no longer just an idea, or a concept, it’s a true moveMENt — it’s a shared mission, a collective effort to ensure no athlete ever feels alone. Reflecting on the growth of MXM, from its inception to today, is a humbling reminder of the power of purpose & the impact of teamwork. To Kei’Trel Clark, Johnny Johnson, Yaya Diaby, Jonathon Cooper, Emmanuel Forbes, JJ Taylor, Josh Blackwell, DeWayne Carter, & Bobby Brown III — thank you for your courage & authenticity. You are not only eXtraordinary athletes, but also remarkable human beings leading with purpose. I wholeheartedly believe that this is just the beginning. Together, we’ll continue to shift the culture & elevate the conversation… 1Man at a time. If you’re reading this: please keep going. #1Love 🖤

"9 ATHLETES. 8 TEAMS. 1MISSION. 1LOVE." November 28, 2024 — This season, MXM is proud to announce that 9 athletes from 8 different teams across the National Football League (NFL) chose to represent our mission & moveMENt on the field as part of this year’s "My Cause, My Cleats" campaign. What started with 1Athlete last year has grown into a powerful moveMENt, proving that our message resonates far beyond the locker room. These athletes are more than just players, assets, or items — they are advocates, leaders, & a true testaMENt to the importance of prioritizing #MENtalHealth in every aspect of life. We are incredibly grateful for each of these incredible individuals' support & for helping us break down barriers, normalize conversations, & remind everyone watching that they're not alone. Stay tuned for more as we continue this journey, & to the special men who chose to stand with us this season — thank you. You are all more than just athletes & your impact(s) span far beyond just the game. KEEP GOING! #1Love 🖤

This time last year, MXM had 1Athlete representing our mission & moveMENt for the #MyCauseMyCleats campaign. Kei’Trel Clark of the Arizona Cardinals Football Club was our first athlete to wear our cleats on the NFL field. I wholeheartedly believe that everything happens for a reason, but interestingly enough: during my senior year at Babson College, while (somehow) balancing the roles of a full-time student-athlete & founder, Kei’Trel shared his story & motivational message on MXM’s platform while he was, also, still playing football at the University of Louisville. Fast forward 2 years later, & there he was wearing our cleats on the NFL field, igniting a moveMENt that has already eXpanded imMENsely (see my neXt post). I had the honor & privilege of meeting + speaking with Kei’Trel after the Cardinals’ win in Pittsburgh last year, which cemented the true meaning behind why I am doing what I am doing. As opposed to watching the athlete on my TV…I had to make the eXtra effort to meet the human being in-person…it was a decision I was proud of making, but one that I will CONTINUE to make… #1Love 🖤

Proudly reflecting on my time in Montana at the West Creek Ranch with the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, I’m reminded of how eXperiences like these shape not just careers, but personal missions. Being the youngest in the room brought moments of imposter syndrome, but they were outshined by the warmth, wisdom, & welcoming nature of everyone present. I leaned into my purpose & walked away with a deeper understanding of who I am, what I stand for, & where I want to take Men’s X Mental. Every conversation, challenge, & quiet moment at the ranch taught me invaluable lessons. These lessons reaffirmed why community, shared vulnerability, & a collective mission matter in ways that go beyond the professional realm. I’m grateful for the open discussions, the new friendships, & the inspiration that each person brought to the table. Here are my 10 key takeaways from this life-changing eXperience: 1️⃣ Embrace the Power of Nature 2️⃣ Prioritize Purpose Over Productivity 3️⃣ Lead with Vulnerability 4️⃣ Collaboration is Key to Growth 5️⃣ Stay Grounded in Your Mission 6️⃣ Silence Breeds Insight 7️⃣ Be Intentional with Time 8️⃣ Human Connection Is Everything 9️⃣ Growth Happens Outside Your Comfort Zone 🔟 Confidence Overcomes Imposter Syndrome To everyone I shared this journey with: thank you for your stories, your perspectives, & your genuine openness. You reminded me that, in this space, we are more than just professionals — we are human beings striving for meaningful impact. Here’s to continuing this mission… together. #1Love 🖤

Although acceptance of mental health services among male athletes has significantly improved in recent years, we believe this demographic still feels the stigma. Partnering with MEN’S X MENTAL in an effort to break down these barriers was a no-brainer for us.

Announcing this partnership between MXM & Mindflow is more than just a professional milestone — it’s personal. Throughout my journey leading MXM, I have always pushed myself to eXtend our mission & moveMENt beyond just the tangible: beyond the merchandise, the viral social media posts, the digital campaigns, or storytelling. The aim has been clear — creating real, impactful resources for athletes. While I have spoken to large, global organizations about similar access to #MENtalHealth resources, Mindflow stood out for a simple reason: their community is built by athletes, for athletes. Knowing that the professionals —counselors, psychologists, & therapists — have walked in an athlete’s shoes breaks down a crucial barrier. It fosters an environment where athletes feel not only supported, but truly understood. Not just in the short term either, but throughout their entire MENtal health journeys & athletic careers. This partnership, driven by our shared belief in ‘FORMULATED FOR ATHLETES, BY ATHLETES,’ ensures that our athletes have a tailored, stigma-free environMENt where they can seek help confidently. This is a pivotal moMENt in our moveMENt, & I couldn’t be more honored to share this step with Mindflow, Brett Holtz, Anthony Faraino, & Caleb Scott. #1Love 🖤

October 7, 2024 — Men's X Mental is beyond eXcited to announce a significant step forward for our #MXMMoveMENt by officially partnering with Mindflow. This collaboration is set to revolutionize how we support male athletes' #MENtalHealth by providing our communities with direct, stigma-free access to licensed professionals such as therapists, clinicians, & counselors across the country. Mindflow, founded by former collegiate athletes, Anthony Faraino & Caleb Scott, understands the particular pressures male athletes face, & their eXpertise helps to bridge the gap between athletic performance & overall MENtal well-being. Together, MXM & Mindflow are committed to cultivating safe spaces that empower male athletes to thrive both on & off the field. With a shared focus on breaking down barriers, fostering meaningful conversations, & providing user-oriented resources, this unique partnership embodies our core mission to serve male athletes at every stage of their journeys. Our alliance's mantra, “FORMULATED FOR ATHLETES, BY ATHLETES,” is much more valuable than a simple slogan; it is a promise to provide comprehensive support grounded in shared experiences. Hand in hand, we look forward to expanding our reach, connecting athletes nationwide to MENtal health resources, & setting a new standard for how holistic wellness is approached within male athletics. #1Love

Reflecting on an unforgettable night at Duquesne University, where I had the honor of sharing my story with male athletes from all sports. Opening up about my own journey & the struggles I’ve faced, I hoped to create a safe space for them to connect, reflect, & be vulnerable with one another. What I didn’t expect was the powerful response that followed – athlete after athlete reciprocating that energy, standing up to share their own eXperiences, fears, tribulations, & triumphs. Thank you to these special men who didn’t hesitate to embrace vulnerability, who proved that strength lies in openness, & who reinforced the power of unity. Together, we’re shifting the conversation(s) & showing that #MENtalHealth matters in every aspect of athletics. Here’s to many more moments where we stand together, & to a future where every athlete feels heard, supported, & understood. KEEP GOING! #1Love 🖤

September 23, 2024 — MXM had the incredible opportunity to host a unique town hall paneled conversation at Duquesne University, gathering male athletes from all sports across campus for an evening dedicated to #MENtalHealth & open conversation. Teddy Sourlis, CEO & Founder of Men's X Mental, led the discussion by sharing his personal story, creating a space where athletes could openly discuss their struggles, ask questions, & find support among their peers. It was a profoundly powerful reminder of the strength found in vulnerability & community, as one by one, these courageous men stepped up to the microphone, breaking down the stigmas & barriers around MENtal health in athletics. To everyone who attended & participated, & to the team who made this event possible, thank you. Your openness, courage, & support created an unforgettable night, leaving a lasting impact on every person in the room. Together, we're proving that no one is alone on this journey. #1Love 🖤

ASHEVILLE STRONG. Just before Hurricane Helene left the Asheville, NC area in a state of emergency, I had the incredible opportunity to speak with the University of North Carolina Asheville male athletes alongside Erik Poldroo & The Zone about #MENtalHealth & the RESILIENCE that defines us all. Sharing this moment with the UNC Asheville community — discussing strength, vulnerability, & support in times of adversity — was truly a powerful reminder of WHY we do this “work.” Sending all of my love, strength, & HOPE to the Asheville area + the surrounding communities affected by this devastation. If you’re reading this… BE strong & STAY strong! #1Love 🖤