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Oregon QB Dante Moore Discloses Past Depression, Urges Governor to Expand Virtual Mental-Health Care

He credits virtual counseling with helping him recover from a period of severe strain.

Overview

  • Moore publicly revealed his struggle with depression and said he sent a March 3 letter asking Gov. Tina Kotek to protect and expand virtual mental-health services in Oregon.
  • He connected his hardest stretch to the pressures of playing quarterback at 18 and to his mother’s 2023 breast cancer treatment; she was declared cancer-free in 2024.
  • He said support from friends and family and access to resources, including virtual care, aided his recovery, noting help-seeking can feel daunting for young Black men and athletes.
  • He framed his disclosure as part of his leadership, saying he has challenged teammates to use their platform to support people who feel voiceless.
  • His letter cited Oregon youth mental-health gaps, including suicide and treatment statistics, and news reports have not noted a response from the governor; his College Football Playoff season and decision to return to Oregon amplify his advocacy.