Former Super Bowl MVP Mark Rypien is the latest sports personality to speak out publically about mental health. He recently spoke to multiple outlets in Spokane, Washington and related his issues to his career in professional football.

"I suffer from a complex stew of mental health conditions," Rypien told Spokane's KHQ-TV. "Dark places, depression, anxiety, addictions, poor choices, poor decisions, brought about from dozens of concussions and thousands of subconcussive injuries from playing this sport."

Rypien hopes that he can raise awareness about the risks associated with playing football. He was motivated to speak after the recent suicide of Washington State quarterback Tyler Hilinski and the passing of Couer d'Alene High School principal Troy Schueller from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. 

Rypien says he has tried multiple times to take his own life. HIs cousin, Rick, a former NHL player. also died in 2011 of an apparent suicide. 

Rypien began his football career with the Washington Redskins and he was the first Canadian-born player to start at quarterback. In 1991, he had his best season, throwing for 3,564 yards and 28 touchdowns while leading the Redskins to a win in Super Bowl XXXVI. 

That year, Rypien was named to his second Pro Bowl and was honored as a second-team All-Pro. After six seasons in Washington, he played the final five seasons of his career with a variety of teams. 

Rypien is now a regular on the celebrity pro-am golf circuit. He is also a member of the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame. 

To inquire about Mark Rypien's speaking fee and appearance cost, contact the agents at Athlete Speakers by calling us at 800-916-6008 or by Starting Your Booking Request Now.

Mark Rypien Talks Mental Health with KHQ-TV: