Former Arizona Wildcats quarterback Brandon Dawkins is stepping away from football in order to take better care of himself, Dawkins wrote in an Instagram post on Wednesday.
"As my mental health is deteriorating I have decided to take a break from the game. I know now that I need to take care of ME," Dawkins, who played in 22 games for UA from 2015-17, wrote
Dawkins went from Arizona to Indiana as a graduate transfer after last season, after Khalil Tate earned the starting quarterback position with the team. Earlier this week, Indiana announced Dawkins had left Indiana's football program.
Dawkins' full post:
To Whom This May Concern:
Football has been a life changer for me. It has introduced me to friends who have become family. It has given me a platform to be in people’s life, and I have always tried to use that to share a smile. I have always done everything in my power to help others, even if that may just be a simple joke that ignited a smile. Football has also helped me get to college and obtain my degree. Not to mention all of the life skills that it has tough me and memories it has given me that will last the rest of my life.
The most important thing to me though has been the joy that the game always brought me. Over the last couple years I lost touch with that joy. I respect and love the game, but I have lost touch with it. I am not too proud to admit that I needed help. I am grateful for the sports psychology team at both Arizona and Indiana for helping me at some of the lowest points in my life. The game (is) getting me depressed and hurting my well-being.
As my mental health is deteriorating I have decided to take a break from the game. I know now that I need to take care of ME. I need to make myself important. I have not properly taken care of myself. Do I know what’s next? Of course not, but I do know God has a plan that is way bigger than any plans I could ever imagine for myself. I hope you can respect my privacy during this time, and my decision.
Thank you all.
Sincerely,
Brandon
