In 2018, DeMar DeRozan, a native of Compton, California, made a very important decision not to go to the NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles. He didn’t go to the party that celebrated his fourth Basketball All-Star appearance due to feeling physical and mental exhaustion. The next morning, he went on social media to share how he felt the weight of depression.
Basketball Star DeRozan Shares Openly
Since that time, DeRozan has become a star basketball player, now playing for the Chicago Bulls. He also became one of the leading advocates for mental health awareness among professional athletes. Recently, he did an interview that focused on fame, success, fatherhood, and mental health struggles rather than his performance on the court.
DeRozan openly discussed his experiences with therapy, handling trades, and the painful loss of his father, all events that occurred while he was playing for the San Antonio Spurs. Despite having great achievements on the basketball court, DeRozan’s willingness to delve into his vulnerabilities has gained him the respect of peers and fans alike.
The New Interview Series
The interview was done on a YouTube channel that makes a series called Dinners With DeMar. With it, DeRozan aims to humanize athletes and shed light on the challenges they face outside the spotlight. His motivation was to make space for genuine conversations with people he respects and admires.
During another interview, not on his channel, DeRozan reflected on the stigma around mental health, pointing out how empathy and understanding were necessary for people within the sports community. His openness about his challenges with mental health managed to spark conversations among players across the league.
DeRozan’s Bright Future
DeRozan’s efforts are very important for younger athletes who now have to face pressures unique to the age of social media. He was adamant that mental health resources to support players have to be prioritized as part of the demands of professional sports.
For his future, DeRozan seems to want to remain focused on his career, but he also wants to cherish his time with the Toronto Raptors. He credits the city and fans with shaping him into the person he is today and hopes to see his jersey retired with that of teammate Kyle Lowry.