Rob Lampka

Watching what happened to Jalen Hurts hit me at my core. I found myself very emotional last night because I’ve walked in those exact shoes, with that exact same organization. In 2024, I was a UDFA trying to survive. I dominated our preseason game against the Patriots and suffered a high ankle sprain, only to be thrown back out the next week like I hadn't been terrorizing every man that stood in front of me for multiple preseasons and practices. Between playing through injury, grieving the sudden deaths of my grandfather, godfather, Diondre Overton, going through a breakup, and battling intense anxiety, I had a severe panic attack before the Vikings preseason game and didn't even want to leave my hotel room the morning before the game. I had no one to call that made me feel safe enough to express how I felt. I had already been going through therapy, refused medication, and just felt like my feelings were not being validated by the therapist. My mind detached. I forgot plays. I dropped passes. It was easily the worst game of my life. I was expected to return like nothing happened during our exit meeting, but I vowed to my late loved ones I would rather never play football again then to tell them I was healthy enough to continue my campaign with the organization. I told my agent I'd rather die. I walked away from football, unsure if I'd ever get another shot, choosing my peace. I couldn't even work out properly for other NFL teams due to my ankle being so sprained. Months went by and my friends in NYC were encouraging me to keep playing. Then, literally the next day, I ran into an Eagles staff member at my apartment gym in New Jersey. I found out a practice squad player was away for a funeral, which opened the door for me to step in for a couple of days getting ready for the Green Bay playoff game. I had already taken time away and was already so detached from football that I just said, "fuck it, why not." My only intentions were to genuinely forgive and pick up an easy check. I'll never forget talking with Jalen right before the Green Bay game in the weight room during that Super Bowl run. Watching him come off his own injury, we had a real conversation about the time we get in dark moments to zoom out from what we are chasing and reflect internally on who we are. That mindset helped guide me through my darkest times. I walked away from football for good after truly finding myself, and I am currently pursuing what the real me embodies at @datouapp, where we are looking to tokenize movies and television shows. Videography was my escape from the darkness—simply capturing the moments that are on the verge of being forgotten and unseen. Jalen is a warrior. I know the darkness of that journey, but I know he’ll come out the other side stronger than ever. Not everyone is going to come to the internet with their problems or pain, so just remember your favorite players are human, too. Y'all act like you care when shit gets real, then tomorrow go back to your regularly scheduled programming of acting like players are not humans. You're free to do, say, or think whatever it is you want, but I'm just leaving this for some reflection and consideration. It is important (to myself) for me to express my support for all the players who go through dark times with no one to turn to. I always felt alone playing at the collegiate and professional level for so many years and don't wish that pain on no one. #prayforjalenhurts #jalenhurtsishuman #sympathy #empathy #love #nfl #namaste