Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Brandon Brooks was forced to leave Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks with what the team described as an illness, and word quickly spread that the symptoms he was experiencing are related to anxiety. Brooks confirmed that on Monday.
Brooks released a statement on Twitter explaining that he has an anxiety disorder that leads to exhaustion, nausea and vomiting. He said he tried to fight through the symptoms during the Eagles’ first drive but could not continue. Brooks described the incident as a “setback” and said he is “NOT ashamed or embarrassed” by a condition he has dealt with for years.
— Brandon Brooks (@bbrooks_79) November 25, 2019
As Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer notes, Brooks missed two games in 2016 when he had panic attacks just before warm-ups on game day. He also had similar struggles during his time with the Houston Texans, and the two-time Pro Bowler has spoken openly about his anxiety condition.
Brooks signed a four-year, $56.2 million contract extension with the Eagles earlier this month. He is one of several pro athletes who have opened up about struggles with anxiety in recent years.
