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J.J. Weaver opens up about mental health struggles

There has long been a stigma when it comes to men’s mental health. Traditionally, men are taught to be tough and not show their emotions.

J.J. Weaver has a message: “You can be tough, but you’re still going to cry.”

Weaver, a redshirt junior and star outside linebacker for the Kentucky Wildcats, has had to battle and overcome on and off the field the last two years.

Following a redshirt season in 2019, Weaver’s father, Terrance Weaver, was murdered during a home robbery in June 2020. In response, J.J. poured everything he had into football to distract himself from the pain and grief.