Dear Joey,

I do not know you, you do not know me, we have never met, nor will we ever meet; however, you changed my life. When I first heard about your Facebook post, I was in shock. It took me a minute to process that a famous football kicker would come out with such a powerful statement, then I realized that was apart of the problem. You are so brave to tell anyone about your eating disorder, let alone all your family, friends, strangers, and fans. People look up to you as an athlete and now they have so much more to look up to you for.

I'm someone who struggled with their weight and self image for a very long time. I tried it all: dieting, overeating, not eating, excessive exercising, what have you. However, I was never brave enough to speak out and seek help when I needed it. It is extremely difficult to come forward with anything you are struggling with, let alone an eating disorder. The stigma that accompanies eating disorders are paralyzing. Most people do not understand what eating disorders are, the different types, or how much people struggle with them. It takes individuals coming forward and shining a light on this serious issue for people to realize.

Now, Joey, not only did you come forward as an individual struggling with an eating disorder, you came forward as a male celebrity who struggles with an eating disorder. Males sometimes are forgotten about in the discussion of eating disorders. People often assume only women, or mostly women, suffer from eating disorders; however, that is not the case at all. You coming forward helped so many people, including guys, seek help.

I cannot speak for everyone who has an eating disorder; however, I know that you personally touched my life. I think that you as a Penn State Football kicker stepping forward in a public form about a sensitive issue is incredibly brave and couragous. Thank you for sharing your story.