MIAMI (AP) – Former NFL tackle Jonathan Martin posted on Facebook that difficulties in the profession led him to attempt suicide multiple times, and he wanted to share his struggle with social isolation to help others.
Martin, who retired this year, said his problems date to childhood in California, and to being told his entire life he was not “black enough.”
“It nearly destroys you, many times, not fitting in,” he wrote, referring to himself in the third person. “Your talent & accomplishments on the field never seem to be able to overcome the demons that you carry with you.”
Martin made national headlines when he abruptly left the Miami Dolphins during the 2013 season amid reports he was bullied by teammates on the offensive line, including Richie Incognito. Martin underwent counseling, Incognito was suspended, and neither played for the Dolphins again. Incognito is now with the Buffalo Bills.
An NFL investigation determined Incognito and two other offensive linemen engaged in a pattern of harassment toward Martin.