Former local player BJ Daniels is fighting to raise awareness about mental health
BJ Daniels made a name for himself as one of the best athletes in Tallahassee, playing at Lincoln High, becoming a two-sport athlete at the University of South Florida and later spending five seasons in the NFL. Today, however, Daniels hopes his meaningful impact will show on the field.
The former quarterback has made mental health advocacy a central part of his post-football life, using his platform and personal experience to encourage athletes — especially young men — to seek help when they need it.
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Now living in St. Petersburg, Daniels serves as director of strategic growth and partnerships for Evara Health, a healthcare organization based in Clearwater. His role has allowed him to combine his passion for service with lessons learned during a football career full of triumphs and hardships.
“I’ve used all my NFL stories, my travels, ups and downs and ups and downs to try to educate people to let them know that it’s OK to see a therapist and have an open conversation, especially a conversation with men,” Daniels said.
Florida State linebacker Christian Jones pursues BJ Daniels as the Florida State Seminoles visit the South Florida Bulls at Tampa Bay’s Raymond James Stadium on Saturday, September 29, 2012.
Daniels’ path to health care wasn’t something he envisioned while playing football. After retiring, he returned to Tallahassee and coached at the high school level, including a one-year stint as Lincoln High’s head coach in 2020. He later worked on the USF coaching staff as a quarterbacks analyst and was involved in fundraising efforts.
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But discussions about mental health became more and more of a focus.
“I think that’s my choice,” Daniels said.
“I never thought I’d be in the position I’m in, working in health care, where I’ve had so many teammates from high school, college and the NFL who have either succumbed to suicide in some way or struggled with certain things.”
Those experiences gave Daniels a new perspective on the sport and the challenges athletes face after the limelight fades. He cited former NFL players and teammates who are struggling with their own issues, reinforcing his belief that addressing mental health should be a priority.
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One of them is the late Aldon Smith, who died two weeks ago. Both were on the San Francisco 49ers team. Smith died at the age of 36, the same age as Daniels.
“I just want to be a voice for a lot of men who may be going through problems,” Daniels said. “Football is a tool, not an end, it’s everything for us, and I want to make sure I use those things and pass them on to people who need help.”
Daniels said many fans only see the highlights and the winners, not the struggles athletes often face off the field.
Quarterback BJ Daniels of the Seattle Seahawks rushes against the Oakland Raiders at CenturyLink Field on September 3, 2015 in Seattle, Washington.
At USF, he battled a broken ankle and endured a terrifying incident where he was held at gunpoint. During his professional career, he balanced football with family responsibilities, including helping to support his younger sister during her battle with cancer.
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“Besides the highlights and the praise of the people who watch it, there is a person who has to take off his helmet and go home and become another citizen in society,” said Daniels.
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Legacy based in Tallahassee
BJ Daniels works with local kids at the Tallahassee Legends youth football camp at Lincoln High School on June 20, 2026.
Despite building a career that has taken him beyond the capital, Daniels said Tallahassee is still at the center of his story.
He often reflects on his humble beginnings, growing up in a Florida State residence hall where his father worked as a dorm director. From there, Daniels grew into one of the most successful athletes in the city’s history, playing at Lincoln before becoming a four-year quarterback at USF and eventually reaching the NFL.
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“First of all, I grew up in a dorm,” Daniels said. “My dad was a dorm director at Florida State.
“So I started from very humble beginnings. I’m a 5-foot-11 quarterback. I always wanted to have dreams and aspirations to make it big time, and I did those things with support and perseverance.”
BJ Daniels works with local kids at the Tallahassee Legends youth football camp at Lincoln High School on June 20, 2026.
Daniels continues to return to Tallahassee to share that message. Most recently, he participated in the Tallahassee Legends youth camp alongside local standouts James Coleman, Pat Watkins and Amari Gainer.
For Daniels, giving back is about showing youth that success is possible no matter where it starts. His football success helped build his platform, but he hopes his willingness to speak openly about hardship and mental health leaves a deep impression.
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“The biggest thing I wanted to leave was just being here and letting people know that I’m from the city and I’m proud to be in Tallahassee,” Daniels said. “There are a lot of good people from the city of Tallahassee who are doing a lot of things, but I just want to be an example.”
BJ Daniels is one of four former Tallahassee players running a youth camp on June 20, 2026.
As Daniels’ life continues to unfold beyond football, his message remains the same: competition and honors eventually fade, but the ability to help others overcome their struggles can leave a lasting legacy. For one of Tallahassee’s most accomplished athletes, that may be his most significant accomplishment yet.
More: FSU senior Warrick Dunn joins Charlie Ward in ‘full circle moment’ in Tallahassee
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Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics and Big Bend Preps for the Tallahassee Democrat. If you’re interested in telling a story about a high school athlete, don’t hesitate to contact him via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or X @_Da_pistol.
This article originally appeared in the Tallahassee Democrat: Former local player BJ Daniels fights for mental health awareness.
