Bolts, Tillys Host Youth Mental Health Awareness Event

For Henley, the topic is one close to him, and he felt that it was important to be on hand and share his stories with the group.

“It was very important. It was important for me, it was important I think to the organization for just being able to include me,” Henley said. “It just stems from my past with mental health as far as how football has affected me, both the positive and the negative.

“Just wanted to spread to the kids that no matter what you go through, the love for yourself and the sport should overpower whatever downs you’re going through,” Henley added. “I just wanted to be able to get that message. It meant a lot to be able to do it with kids that no only are experiencing what I’ve gone through, but are from the same community as me.”

Following the panel, the teams enjoyed dinner together in the locker room. Each participant also received a customized hoodie, and a Herschel backpack filled with giveaways from the Chargers, Tillys, and Tilly’s Life Center.

It was unique experience for those on hand, but most importantly a chance to bring to light the importance of mental health.

“Mental health is very important,” Hightower said. “It’s health, no different than physical health, spiritual health, emotional health. A lot of times, being able to go through your days — whether through work or school — it is important to be in a good mental space to be able to be at your optimal best.

“It’s important for us here at the Chargers and it’s why we have a full-time clinician, Dr. Herb Martin, that is on staff,” Hightower added. “He works in that area to make sure that our players are in a great mental space to be at their best on and off the field.”

This event was a continuation of the Chargers and Snoop Youth Football League’s commitment to supporting youth football athletes in the Los Angeles area.

By providing educational experiences and resources focused on mental wellness, leadership, and personal growth, the initiative aims to empower young athletes with skills and support that will benefit them both on and off the field.

And as Henley explained, and knows well, it’s something that’s important to understand when going through the ups and downs of sports.

“I definitely went through a lot of ups and downs, especially with this sport,” Henley said. “It comes with a lot of pressure, but it also is balanced with that passion.

“Anything you love, you put your all into, you’ll deal with some [things],” Henley added. “Just being able to fight through that is something I wanted to share with the kids.”