theGrio’s 100: Brandon Marshall, top receiver, wants mental health awareness to catch on
theGRIO'S 100 - Brandon Marshall is the starting wide receiver for the Chicago Bears. He's totaled at least 80 catches and 1,000 receiving yards in seven straight seasons...
Who is Brandon Marshall?
Brandon Marshall is the starting wide receiver for the Chicago Bears. He’s totaled at least 80 catches and 1,000 receiving yards in seven straight seasons.
Marshall, 29, is a five-time Pro Bowl selection and played collegiately at the University of Central Florida.
Why is he on theGrio’s 100?
In addition to his football prowess, Marshall has become an outspoken advocate for mental health awareness. He was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder in 2011.
Before his diagnosis, Marshall struggled with bouts of depression and became disruptive to friends, loved ones and teammates.
So he sought help. He then formed The Brandon Marshall Foundation, to not only raise awareness for mental health, but to “help others gain access to the resources they need to recover.”
Marshall was even fined by the NFL more than $10,000 for wearing green shoes during an October game against the New York Giants.  He wore the cleats to promote mental health and vowed to match the NFL fine with a donation to his foundation.
What’s next for Marshall?
Marshall wants his foundation to become the “preeminent foundation devoted to mental health.” He calls his personal journey with borderline personality disorder a “work in progress.”
On the field, Marshall told reporters the upcoming season will be his “Thriller” year.
Follow Brandon Marshall on Twitter @Brandon Marshall
