RENTON, Wash. — Mental health matters to the Seattle Seahawks. The team has a podcast focused on mental health conversations surrounding the world of professional football.
"It's really good this time of year to take inventory of where you are with your mental health," said Ray Roberts, the podcast host.
It's the center of every conversation in a podcast recording studio inside the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
"When you feel that pressure and you start to feel anxious or stressed, have something to fall back on," Roberts adds.
Roberts is the host of "Big Ray's Garage Grind." It is a Seahawks podcast that discusses mental health and the healing journey.
"I suggest you be proactive this time of year. To find a therapist to talk to, your pastor to talk to," he said during his podcast recording.
Roberts has been through a lot in his life — and knows what it is like to perform when you may not feel your best. He played for the Seattle Seahawks from 1992 to 1995 as an offensive tackle.
"I came from really nothing. Really poor family; my mom and dad made $10,000 combined so I overcame a lot," Roberts said.
With his guests, he talks about overcoming adversity. So far, the podcast has featured and interviewed several Seahawks greats including Doug Baldwin, Cliff Avril and KJ Wright.
"To me, it’s still part of the healing process," Roberts said. "Because it keeps everything fresh on my mind."
Roberts says it has been inspiring to see the Seahawks and the NFL make mental health conversations a priority.
"When everyone jumped on, a fire was lit in me. Very seldom do we get to a place where you are living in your purpose," Roberts said, who said he hopes his podcast sparks a conversation with listeners to make mental health a priority.
"This is the place and topic that God built me to have, is to have these conversations and to share my story this way. I feel fortunate and blessed to live out my purpose doing this," Robert said.
To watch, click here. To listen, click here. The podcast is sponsored by Mindful Therapy Group.