Former Ohio State lineman Quinn Pitcock has returned to football. Two years ago, as he headed for training camp with the Indianapolis Colts, Pitcock made a sudden decision. He decided to quit football. Pitcock, a third-round choice of the Colts, quit in only his second year. Pitcock went into depression and became a hermit for a year. In a SeattlePI.com...
Former Ohio State lineman Quinn Pitcock has returned to the NFL.Former Ohio State lineman Quinn Pitcock has returned to football. Two years ago, as he headed for training camp with the Indianapolis Colts, Pitcock made a sudden decision. He decided to quit football.
Pitcock, a third-round choice of the Colts, quit in only his second year. Pitcock went into depression and became a hermit for a year.
In a SeattlePI.com story, Pitcock also developed a peculiar addiction. He did nothing but play video games.
"I got sucked into that," said the 26-year-old. "I'm going to be working soon starting some sort of charity to help kids who are addicted to video games because that turned into my way out and I got lost to the world. It took me awhile to get myself back and get my bearings and get back into society.
"You always say, 'I'm fine, I'm fine.' Then finally you just have an awakening where you say, 'What am I doing?' I got to the point where I broke and burned many video games trying to quit. That was my outing. Once I got rid of that and realized I could slowly start eating healthy, exercising and doing all that, I got back on track."
Pitcock received help from the NFL Players Association through counseling and treatment for depression and anxiety. He continues to make his way back.
"A lot of athletes do deal with depression and anxiety and a lot of issues that don't get covered as much," Pitcock said. "Being alpha males and being the strong type, you try not to show your weaknesses.