HBCU football is still months away, but June is men’s mental health awareness month.
Winston-Salem State University running back Gabriel Linen knows the importance of mental health. Linen recently spoke with Hilinski’s Hope, a platform devoted to student-athlete mental health, about a life-changing experience.
“Being a student-athlete is a huge accomplishment in itself,” Linen wrote. “But few understand the hardship of dealing with life and playing a sport at the same time, all while trying to do it to your full potential. It can be a lot to handle; but you still keep going, you prosper, work hard to prevail & most important, you keep going, you don’t give up & somehow you get through it.”
On June 6, 2021 a traumatic event happened to me that changed my life. While sitting in a car with my little sister and leaving a graduation celebration, we were caught in shooting crossfire and I was hit in the face by a stray bullet. I got through it by keeping God first and my family and friends close-they helped me get through this trauma and were there not only for my physical health but my mental health too. I’m blessed to still be here and spread my testimony to others & let them know that you can get through anything that life throws at you.
Taking care of your mental health is vital! There are many changes, stages and challenges you will face in life. You need to focus on your mental health to get through these hurdles and in turn you can become an encourager and helper for others.”
A look at Linen’s timeline at his HBCU reveals he started his career at WSSU in 2019, playing mostly on special teams. There is a three-year gap in between, starting with the 2020 season that never happened, where Linen didn’t suit up for the Rams. Knowing what he went through, it makes sense as to why there was a long time in between.
But Linen made his return in 2023, running for 312 yards on 43 carries and two touchdowns as a running back, including a 161-yard rushing game against Shaw.
Surely, Linen isn’t the only HBCU football player to have dealt with mental health challenges. But hopefully, his story will inspire others to share their journeys as well.