Blake Anderson appeared on ‘College GameDay’ talking about mental health and the loss of his son by suicide. Here’s how people reacted
Utah State football coach Blake Anderson continues to be an advocate for mental health and mental health awareness since his son Robert Cason Anderson died by suicide at 21 years old in February of 2022.
Anderson has spearheaded numerous mental health initiatives in the past year and a half at Utah State, and has now expanded that to a national audience on ESPN.
The Aggies’ coach was featured on “College GameDay” — ESPN’s flagship college football show — Saturday morning before USU’s matchup with UConn in Hartford, Connecticut.
If you or someone you know are struggling, PLEASE don’t try and carry it alone. Your life matters. You are loved and have purpose. When you feel like giving up, when it’s too heavy to carry… There are others not just willing, but wanting to help you carry it. 💚 https://t.co/ccVoa9Ot2i
— Brittany Anderson (@brittm_anderson) September 30, 2023
In the seven-minute segment, Anderson’s story was unveiled, along with the mental health struggles of some current and former Aggies who turned to their head coach for help following his son’s death.
The segment had a powerful effect on those unfamiliar with Anderson’s story as well as with those who were already familiar with it.
Admiration for Utah State & Coach Blake Anderson @USUFootball support for their team members in #mentalhealth crisis & public talk about #SuicidePrevention #SuicidePreventionMonth @988 #help is available Call text chat
— Debbie McDaniel-Lind (@debbiemclinz) September 30, 2023
@CollegeGameDay thank you for airing Blake Anderson’s story and raising the awareness of suicide.
Such a tragic story, but he likely saved 2 of his player’s lives by sharing it.
To those who are struggling, there IS help and there IS hope. Your life MATTERS. pic.twitter.com/2cW1IZdVZq— 🌪💙⚾️🎙Meri ✌🏻❤️💛🌪 (@mericombs12) September 30, 2023
Thank you @CollegeGameDay for the segment on @blakeanderson & Cason.
To use a gut wrenching loss to prioritize the mission critical mental health of the young men on your team is so admirable. Continued prayers to your family!— Rachel M. Lautigar (@rachelmlautigar) September 30, 2023
@CollegeGameDay : Thanks for highlighting the heartbreaking story of @USUFootball Coach Blake Anderson and his son’s suicide.
Help is available for anyone thinking of suicide by dialing 988. #helpisavailable #988 #RT— “The” Top Deck Cowboy (@TheTopRow) September 30, 2023
Great piece on Utah St and Blake Anderson on Gameday this morning.
— Devonte Lee’s left arm (@Devontesleftarm) September 30, 2023
That was one of the most powerful segments I've ever seen in my years of watching College GameDay.
God bless Blake Anderson and Utah State.
Just goes to show it's okay to not be okay. Getting help is fine.— Owen (@Alakazam_428) September 30, 2023
That @CollegeGameDay story about Blake Anderson was tough to watch. Very well done by ESPN.
— GatorCPA (@TomGatorCPA) September 30, 2023
@espn thank you for your wonderfully moving profile of Blake Anderson. Suicidal thoughts are hard to discuss and it means the world to me to see more people trying to reach out to those who are struggling. #YouMatter
— Derek Hutton, Anthony Richardson Endorser (@HuttHuttHike) September 30, 2023
Idk how I manage to turn Gameday on at the exact moment they’re going to make me cry every week. But Blake Anderson has me SOBBING
— Bailey (@Baileygard_) September 30, 2023
Incredibly powerful segment featuring USU Head Coach Blake Anderson on ESPN Game Day about mental health. I'll try to find a link as soon as possible. A must view for sure.
— Scott Garrard (@ScottyGZone) September 30, 2023
