LOGAN, Utah- In support of mental health awareness, Utah State football will wear a green ribbon on its helmet for this week’s game against UNLV.
On Monday, September 19, Anderson announced his team was dedicating their Week 4 game against UNLV to raising awareness about mental health.
Our family values and recognizes the importance of mental health. We are honored to be able to support USU student-athletes and increase mental health awareness. #ScoresForSupport | @USUFootball pic.twitter.com/wceT3ZzvA1
— Linda Bonner (@lbonner12) September 22, 2022
During the 6:47 a.m. video posted to Utah State Football social media accounts, the head coach shared details about his personal life, the difficult challenges his family faced and highlighted the importance of mental health.
“We had a lot of great conversations about something that is very close to our hearts,” he began his comments. “We would love for you to join us and support this cause and hopefully help those in need.”
Cason Anderson Mental Health and Wellness Fund
Utah State Athletics announced the creation of the Robert Cason Mental Health and Wellness Fund in honor of Blake Anderson’s son.
The Mental Health and Wellness Fund will provide enhancements to the Athletic Department’s mental health and wellness resources. It will provide more mental health and wellness counseling, educational opportunities, training and programs for student-athletes, coaches and support staff.
The Utah State Mental Health and Wellness Program with the Robert Cason Anderson Fund will increase awareness and help fight the stigma surrounding mental health issues, while providing more support to all USU student-athletes.
Cason tragically passed away on February 28, 2022, at the age of 21. He graduated from Jonesboro High School in Arkansas in 2020 while his father was the Arkansas State head coach. In 2021, Cason moved to Pflugerville, Texas to be near family and work for his uncle at Techline Pipe.
Utah State Athletics creates the Cason Anderson Mental Health and Wellness Fund.
LEARN MORE ➡️ https://t.co/P9vfdBmoef pic.twitter.com/Q4dR7it1XH
— Utah State Athletics (@USUAthletics) September 21, 2022
Stories of strength
Throughout the week, players and coaches in Utah State’s football program shared their messages about mental health issues.
Head Coach Blake Anderson started the week with his story. Punter Stephen Kotsanlee, longtime snapper Jacob Garcia and offensive lineman Calvin Knapp shared videos on social media detailing their own mental health issues and those of their families.
#MentalHealthMatters@chbanderson The story of 💚 pic.twitter.com/CpIJHMyF1S
— USU Football (@USUFootball) September 19, 2022
#MentalHealthMatters@ SKotsy17 The story of 💚 pic.twitter.com/SV0RZ085H2
— USU Football (@USUFootball) September 20, 2022
#MentalHealthMatters@_jacob_garcia__ The story of 💚 pic.twitter.com/m6MOhLCyV2
— USU Football (@USUFootball) September 21, 2022
If you or someone you know is having difficulty or needs assistance, he is always available with SafeUT, a crisis chat and advice line. 833-372-3388
