Dominique Easley, Super Bowl champion, and Eric Kussin, CEO and founder of SameHere Global, joined Karisa Maxwell and Sports Philanthropy Network at Radio Row during the Super Bowl. Easley shared his insights on mental health, focusing on the challenges athletes face transitioning to civilian life and the importance of vulnerability. Kussin discussed SameHere Global’s mission to normalize mental health conversations and reduce stigma by connecting shared human experiences. Both highlighted the need for openness and support in fostering resilience and mental well-being.
Dominique Easley is a former professional football player who is passionate about supporting athletes and promoting mental health awareness. After a successful career in the NFL, including playing for the New England Patriots, Easley has shifted his focus to mentoring and providing guidance to the next generation of athletes. He leverages his personal experiences to encourage athletes to prioritize their well-being both on and off the field.
Easley is also deeply committed to using his platform to create positive change in the sports community. He collaborates with various organizations to raise awareness about mental health and offer athletes the tools they need to maintain a healthy mindset throughout their careers. By addressing mental health challenges in sports, Easley works to remove the stigma and create an open, supportive environment for athletes to thrive.
In addition to his advocacy work, Dominique Easley is involved in business ventures that aim to bridge the gap between athletes and the resources they need for career development. His work reflects his belief in the power of education, community, and technology to help athletes succeed in all areas of their lives, from sports to personal growth and professional opportunities.
Eric Kussin is the founder of SameHere, the global mental health movement that aims to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health challenges, especially in the sports world. After experiencing his own mental health struggles as a former sports executive, Kussin became dedicated to providing a platform where athletes and individuals alike can openly discuss their mental health without fear of judgment. SameHere focuses on fostering a culture of support and understanding for people facing mental health issues.
Through SameHere, Kussin works to normalize conversations about mental health across various sectors, including sports, business, and entertainment. He is committed to advocating for mental health education and ensuring that people have access to the resources they need to overcome their struggles. His movement is centered on the belief that mental health challenges are universal and affect everyone, regardless of status or profession.
Kussin also partners with organizations, athletes, and influencers to expand SameHere’s impact globally. By leveraging his personal experience and extensive network, Kussin is helping to create a world where mental health is treated with the same priority as physical health, allowing individuals to thrive both in their personal lives and in their careers.
The New England Patriots are one of the most successful franchises in NFL history, known for their storied legacy, including multiple Super Bowl victories. The team plays at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, and is renowned for its commitment to excellence both on and off the field.
Off the field, the Patriots are actively involved in various community initiatives through the New England Patriots Foundation. They focus on causes such as youth fitness, education, and supporting veterans. This philanthropic work has made a significant impact on local communities.
In addition to football, the organization fosters an inclusive fan experience, offering access to behind-the-scenes content, live events, and exclusive merchandise. Their robust digital platforms, including their website, engage fans worldwide with news, interviews, and content that highlights the team’s success and community outreach.
SameHere Global is a mental health advocacy organization focused on changing how mental health is perceived in society. Their mission is to normalize conversations around mental health, emphasizing that it affects everyone, not just 20% of the population. Through education and storytelling, they work to reduce stigma and create a more inclusive culture.
The organization collaborates with individuals from various sectors, including celebrities, athletes, and doctors, to share their experiences and spread awareness. They aim to provide a proactive approach to mental well-being through community programs and global alliances.
SameHere Global’s initiatives include offering resources for different groups, from students to professionals, and providing support for those facing mental health challenges. By focusing on shared human experiences, they hope to foster resiliency and healing within communities worldwide.
WATCH INTERVIEW
0:00 – 0:12 – Karisa Maxwell introduces Super Bowl winner Dominique Easley and Eric Kussin, CEO and founder of the #SameHere Global initiative, to discuss mental health and the power of vulnerability.
0:12 – 0:28 – Eric commends the branding of #SameHere Global, sharing that the hashtag is relatable, not just for mental health struggles but for everyday challenges.
0:28 – 1:01 – Eric explains the inspiration behind the initiative, sharing a story about NHL player Theo Fleury, who inspired the concept of “Same Here” after a fan shared their experience with him.
1:01 – 1:36 – Eric contrasts the #MeToo movement with the “Same Here” initiative, emphasizing the inclusivity of the latter, which doesn’t categorize individuals but recognizes everyone’s shared vulnerabilities.
1:36 – 2:50 – Dominique Easley shares his personal struggle with transitioning from professional athlete to civilian life, discussing identity, purpose, and his journey with mental health and addiction.
2:50 – 3:49 – Dominique highlights the importance of vulnerability, explaining how it was a crucial part of his growth, particularly in relationships and business.
3:49 – 5:15 – Dominique discusses how, as an athlete, he wasn’t allowed to show vulnerability, but through personal growth and therapy, he learned how expressing vulnerability could strengthen relationships and improve his life.
5:15 – 6:01 – Eric shares a powerful story of a high school student who was struggling with peer relationships, showing how vulnerability can lead to understanding and resolution.
6:01 – 7:00 – Eric emphasizes the importance of mental health conversations, explaining how storytelling is a key tool in breaking down barriers and encouraging others to open up about their struggles.
7:00 – 8:01 – The conversation shifts to practical tools, with Eric introducing the #SameHere scale app, which helps individuals assess their mental health on a spectrum and access exercises to manage stress and trauma.
