Former NFL wide receiver A.J. Green wrote a tribute essay calling for better mental health care for players following the death of Rondale Moore.
The call for policy change highlights the ongoing struggle with mental health crises among professional athletes and the perceived inadequacy of current league support systems.
Green published the essay on The Players' Tribune on Wednesday, March 16, 2026 [1]. The piece serves as both a celebration of Moore's life and a plea for systemic reform within the NFL. Moore died by suicide on February 21, 2026 [2].
Green and Moore were teammates for two seasons [3]. In the essay, Green addressed the need for transparency and honesty regarding the pressures athletes face. He focused on the necessity of creating a supportive environment where players feel safe seeking help before reaching a crisis point.
"I want to celebrate Rondale’s life… but I also want to make sure we’re having the realest conversation possible about his death," Green said.
The 37-year-old former receiver used the platform to advocate for a shift in how the league handles psychiatric care and emotional support [2]. By sharing his personal connection to Moore, Green aimed to spark a broader conversation about the mental health challenges that persist even after a player's active career ends.
Green's tribute emphasizes that the physical demands of the sport often overshadow the psychological toll on players. He urged the NFL to implement more robust resources to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
“"I want to celebrate Rondale’s life… but I also want to make sure we’re having the realest conversation possible about his death."”
This advocacy from a high-profile former player puts additional pressure on the NFL to evolve its mental health protocols. By linking a specific tragedy to a call for policy change, Green is moving the conversation from general awareness to a demand for institutional accountability and improved healthcare access for current and former athletes.
