Editor’s note: If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or is in emotional distress, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or at suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
UCLA offensive lineman Thomas Cole shared his decision to retire from football on Saturday in a social media post disclosing that he attempted suicide earlier this year.
Cole, a redshirt freshman who did not play during the 2021 season, posted a statement detailing the mental health struggles that led to his near suicide, the role the experience played in leading him to announce his retirement and his “much brighter outlook” after receiving help while away from the program.