Players share the Character Playbook
鈥淗ow do you cope with intense emotions in hard times? What鈥檚 your motivation to stay happy during hard times?鈥
Nichols Junior High School students didn鈥檛 shy away from asking the hard questions after receiving a play-by-play lesson on integrity and mental health from Dallas Cowboys center Tyler Biadasz and offensive tackle Terence Steele, along with Medal of Honor Museum president and CEO Chris Cassidy.
In partnership with the United Way Foundation and , the Dallas Cowboys celebrated Week by hosting Character Playbook LIVE at the Preview Center. Character, service and mental health were topics on the table at Tuesday鈥檚 panel discussion, and students were eager to learn tips on overcoming adversity and coping with stress.
鈥淐haracter is what you do when no one is watching,鈥 said Cassidy. 鈥淭here are a lot of things we can鈥檛 control in life, so we have to focus on what we can control, and that鈥檚 our reactions and emotions.鈥
Practical solutions like exercising, breathing tips and staying present in the moment were given when students asked about dealing with stressful situations at school or home. The panelists also suggested verbally communicating thoughts and emotions to someone you trust to help maintain positive mental health.
鈥淚t鈥檚 okay to not be okay,鈥 said Biadasz. 鈥淒on鈥檛 be afraid to talk to someone about what you鈥檙e going through. Whether it鈥檚 students, teachers or coaches, they want to hear from you.鈥
Biadasz and Steele emphasized the importance of utilizing mental health resources available in schools, like counselors. That鈥檚 what the Cowboys players do every Friday before a game when they visit with the team鈥檚 mental health coach.
Nichols students attended the event in person, while students from two schools located near military bases joined and asked the trio questions virtually.
鈥淓vents like these are special because they really make a positive impact on my students,鈥 said Nichols teacher Sabrina Taylor. 鈥淭he Character Playbook allowed them to have meaningful discussions about dealing with their emotions and stressful situations, but to them it meant even more that they were selected to be a part of this celebration.鈥
To continue spreading awareness, Biadasz, Steele and other members of the offensive line will wear cleats that honor mental health awareness and military service in this weekend鈥檚 game against the Indianapolis Colts.
If you want to join the Character Challenge to make all schools bully-free, check out to learn how you can make an impact in your school.