Toby Brooks

No one's connecting the dots between injury, behavior, and mental health.

And when you start to see it that way, Sean's story stops feeling like an isolated case, and it starts to feel like a glimpse into a much bigger problem.

Lucky for Sean, his AT not only noticed, but he took action.

And it was a step that likely changed his life, not to mention his life's work.

Yeah.

And I have to say, Sean, I was so happy when you reached out to me because over the years, I've looked back over my career.

You know, it's kind of what old men do.

We sit in our chair and we think back about things we could have done better or things that went great.

And

As I said, your story stuck out to me.

You were a leader.

And I remember conversations with you where you said how hard it was to think that coaches were questioning your character, like you weren't tough enough or you were somehow faking this or this was lingering on longer than it should have.

And I feel like in some ways I did the same thing to you because there were moments in your academic career where I knew you were capable of so much more.

And I had a coach who often said to me, sometimes we need a kick in the pants and sometimes we need a hug around the neck.

And if I give you the wrong one, I send exactly the wrong message.

But if I give you the right one, that's precisely what you needed.

And since you went on, and I've seen what you did as a professional, the research that you're doing, you're honored at Texas Tech as an alum.

I remember just the regret of thinking I kicked you in the pants when you needed a hug around the neck.

And I wasn't trying to...

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