In a bold and emotional move that has sent shockwaves through the NFL community, Steve Avila, the powerful and promising offensive lineman for the Los Angeles Rams, stunned fans and left head coach Sean McVay momentarily speechless during a press conference Monday by announcing the launch of a $10 million mental health initiative aimed at supporting athletes and underserved youth.
With the words “It is done,” Avila closed his prepared remarks and unveiled a long-planned personal mission that he had kept under wraps until now—establishing The Avila MindStrong Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to breaking the stigma around mental health and providing direct resources to those in need.
“We train our bodies like machines, but we ignore our minds until they break,” Avila said, holding back emotion. “I’ve seen teammates, friends—even myself—struggle in silence. That ends now. It is done. We’re changing the conversation.”
A Moment That Left McVay—and the League—Stunned
Avila’s announcement came during what was expected to be a routine media day at the Rams training facility. Instead, the 6’4”, 330-pound lineman took center stage to reveal a project more than a year in the making.
Head coach Sean McVay, visibly moved, paused for nearly 15 seconds before addressing reporters.
“Honestly… I’m speechless,” McVay said. “Steve is not just a cornerstone on the field—he’s the kind of person who changes cultures. What he just did will impact lives in ways we can’t even measure.”
What the Avila MindStrong Foundation Will Do
With an initial personal investment of $10 million, the MindStrong Foundation will immediately begin building partnerships with local schools, youth organizations, and pro sports teams to provide:
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Free therapy services for student-athletes and low-income youth
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Crisis intervention training for coaches and educators
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Mental wellness toolkits and curriculum integrated into athletic programs
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24/7 helpline and mobile support team for athletes in high-pressure environments
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Annual “Strong in Silence” summits that bring together mental health experts, players, and advocates
Avila, who has previously spoken about the emotional toll of high-level competition and the pressure to remain stoic in the face of personal adversity, said his decision to speak out publicly was inspired by former NFL players and friends who battled anxiety and depression in silence.
“It’s not weak to say ‘I’m struggling.’ It’s human. And it’s time we made that normal,” he said.
Support Across the League
Almost instantly after the announcement, fellow NFL players, mental health advocates, and fans took to social media to praise Avila for his courage and leadership. Rams legend Andrew Whitworth tweeted, “Steve Avila just changed the game—for the better. This is legacy work.”
NFLPA Executive Director Lloyd Howell called the initiative “a critical step in addressing the mental health crisis among athletes and underserved youth.”
Even rival players from the Seahawks and 49ers posted tributes, with one comment reading: “No rivalry in mental health. Respect, Steve.”
Avila’s Vision Moving Forward
Avila says this is just the beginning. He plans to collaborate with mental health professionals to develop training tools specifically designed for offensive and defensive linemen, who, he notes, are often overlooked in discussions of athlete mental health due to their physical size and perceived toughness.
“I’m a big guy. People assume I’m always okay. That assumption almost broke me once,” Avila said. “So I’m doing this to make sure no one has to suffer quietly just because they don’t fit the stereotype of someone who needs help.”
The Avila MindStrong Foundation will officially launch this summer with its first event—a mental health awareness rally and youth football clinic in Inglewood, scheduled for July 20, 2025.
