Social Media Trolling of NFL Players Takes a Toll

FILE - Minnesota Vikings cornerback Akayleb Evans (21) is called for interference on Chicago Bears wide receiver Tyler Scott during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, in C

In the world of professional sports, fame and fortune often go hand in hand with intense scrutiny and criticism. This is especially true in the age of social media, where accessibility has given fans a platform to express their opinions, both positive and negative, with unprecedented ease. However, what many fail to realize is that behind those helmets and jerseys are human beings with emotions and lives outside of the game.

NFL running back Alexander Mattison of the Minnesota Vikings experienced this firsthand. After a tough loss, he found himself bombarded with hateful and racist messages on social media. He decided to push back and share some of these offensive comments, challenging the perpetrators to reflect on their words and the harm they can inflict. Mattison reminded the world that under his helmet, he is not just a player, but a human being, a father, and a son.

The rise of online betting and the surge of fantasy football participation have contributed to the intensification of NFL fandom. Players like Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff find themselves at the receiving end of criticism not only for on-field performance but also because fans may lose money due to their actions. The pressure and expectations have never been higher for these athletes.

FILE - Minnesota Vikings cornerback Akayleb Evans walks on the field before an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023, in Minneapolis. Social media is the proverbial double-edged sword. “We're trying to put our best foot forward on the field, but people are going to mess up,” Evans said. “You’re not always going to be at your best every game. People just have to realize the human side of everything."(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)

FILE - Minnesota Vikings cornerback Akayleb Evans (21) is called for interference on Chicago Bears wide receiver Tyler Scott during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, in Chicago. Social media is the proverbial double-edged sword. “We're trying to put our best foot forward on the field, but people are going to mess up,” Evans said. “You’re not always going to be at your best every game. People just have to realize the human side of everything." (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)

FILE - Tennessee Titans wide receiver Chris Moore (11) makes a catch during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Cleveland. The intensity of NFL fandom can make players seem simply like avatars on a screen and increase the ever-present pressure to perform. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)

FILE - Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Chris Moore warms up before an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. The intensity of NFL fandom can make players seem simply like avatars on a screen and increase the ever-present pressure to perform. (AP Photo/Wade Payne, File)

FILE - Dallas Cowboys safety Jayron Kearse tackles Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023, in Charlotte, N.C. The accessibility of social media has put players in position to feel that ferocity like never before, and that's one reason why the league has a wellness program for these uniquely high-profile employees. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones, File)

FILE - Dallas Cowboys safety Jayron Kearse warms up before an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023. The accessibility of social media has put players in position to feel that ferocity like never before, and that's one reason why the league has a wellness program for these uniquely high-profile employees. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn, File)

FILE - Seattle Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) is sacked by San Francisco 49ers defensive end Clelin Ferrell during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023. The intensity of NFL fandom that increased with the surge of fantasy football has spiked further in the age of online betting. “I was like, ‘Holy cow, this is a roller coaster of, ’You’re the best and you’re the worst,'" Lock said. (AP Photo/Josie Lepe, File)

FILE - Seattle Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) warms up before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023, in Seattle. The intensity of NFL fandom that increased with the surge of fantasy football has spiked further in the age of online betting. The accessibility of social media has put players in position to feel that ferocity like never before. That’s one reason why the league has a wellness program for these uniquely high-profile employees. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson, File)

FILE - Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) looks to pass during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, December 3, 2023, in New Orleans. The intensity of NFL fandom that increased with the surge of fantasy football has spiked further in the age of online betting. “When you used to lose, you would hear about it because of a fan’s loyalty to the team. They want to win. Now you hear about it because they’re losing their money because of you,” Goff said. (AP Photo/Matt Patterson, File)

FILE - Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff addresses the media after an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, in Detroit. The intensity of NFL fandom that increased with the surge of fantasy football has spiked further in the age of online betting. “When you used to lose, you would hear about it because of a fan’s loyalty to the team. They want to win. Now you hear about it because they’re losing their money because of you,” Goff said.(AP Photo/David Dermer, File)

To address the mental health challenges that arise from this unique position of fame and scrutiny, the NFL has implemented a well-being program for its players. Dr. Brownell Mack, the team clinician for the Minnesota Vikings, points out that society has reached a point where dehumanization has become acceptable. The anonymity of the internet provides a breeding ground for attacking individuals without consequence. It is crucial to consider the impact this has on athletes who are often portrayed as invincible.

The roller coaster of public approval can be jarring for players. Vikings left guard Dalton Risner recalls an incident during his time with the Denver Broncos when a sideline confrontation went viral, painting him in a negative light. Through these experiences, he has learned to ride the wave with resilience and even-keeled attitude. Seattle Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need to detach from both praise and criticism to maintain mental well-being.

The NFL is actively addressing mental health concerns by providing rookies with skills training and counseling. These young athletes are equipped not only with playbooks but also with tools for decision-making and stress management. Recognizing the human side of professional sports is vital, as cornerback Akayleb Evans of the Vikings emphasizes. Athletes have off-days, and they are not always at their best on the field. It is important for fans to appreciate the complexities and vulnerabilities of these individuals.

Social media, while a means to connect and humanize players, is also a dangerous platform. Dallas Cowboys safety Jayron Kearse acknowledges the reality that criticism is part of the game and will persist long after his playing days are over. Fans like Matt Rigby, a high-maintenance fantasy football league manager, admit to investing too much of their emotions into the performance of players they consider 'like family.' Rigby questions whether the focus should solely be on fantasy football statistics or if we should appreciate the game of football itself.

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Chris Moore reflects on his struggle with the push and pull of social media throughout his career. He wants to remind fans that players are just like them – they have families and lives outside of the sport. The game is their avenue to provide and support their loved ones.

In a world where athletes are under constant scrutiny, it is crucial to remember their humanity. The online world has provided a platform for fans to express their opinions, but it should never justifies dehumanization and hate. As we continue to engage with sports, let's appreciate the dedication, talent, and resilience of these athletes while recognizing that they too are susceptible to the impact of our words. Without empathy, we risk losing the essence of the game and reducing players to mere statistics.