Sleepless and Depressed for Nearly a Year, TreVeyon Henderson Thought He Couldn’t Go On—Until Faith Gave Him a Reason to Live Again
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
TreVeyon Henderson’s journey to football stardom wasn’t just marked by highlight reels and touchdowns—it was shaped in the shadows of silent battles. During his college years at Ohio State, Henderson faced something no playbook could prepare him for: nearly a year of sleepless nights, depression, and the creeping thought that he might not want to keep living.
He kept up the appearance of strength on the field, but off it, he was unraveling. Struggling with sleep paralysis and relentless mental exhaustion, Henderson became trapped in a cycle of doubt and hopelessness. “There were days I didn’t want to wake up. I didn’t know who I was anymore,” he later admitted in a raw and emotional reflection.
For nearly a year, he pushed through practices and games while silently battling the weight of his own thoughts. Despite being a star athlete, he felt completely lost. And then, in the darkest part of his personal storm, something changed—he turned to faith.
It wasn’t an overnight transformation. But slowly, Henderson found comfort and clarity through Christianity. He began to pray, read scripture, and lean into his belief that there was a greater purpose for his life. “I didn’t know my purpose in this world until I met God,” he said. “That’s when I started to heal.”
Faith gave him a foundation. It taught him that his worth wasn’t defined by stats, trophies, or expectations—but by something eternal. It pulled him back from the edge and planted new strength in his soul.
As he returned to the field renewed, teammates and coaches noticed the change. He played with deeper conviction, led with quiet confidence, and became a source of hope for others silently struggling. His story reached beyond football—it became a testimony.
Now, as TreVeyon Henderson enters the NFL, he carries more than athletic talent—he carries the wisdom of surviving a personal hell and the peace of knowing who he truly is. His message to others: “Don’t give up. You’re never too far gone to be found.”
