INDIANAPOLIS – Miami OG Javion Cohen was part of one of the best offensive lines in football for the Hurricanes last season, before winning a national championship at the University of Alabama. But between winning the title in Alabama and starring in Miami, Cohen spent time at the Helen Wellness Recovery Center in Seekonk, Massachusetts, a residential facility for men struggling with addiction and mental health. ) for one month.
Cohen overcame mental health challenges to become a star at Miami and put himself in position to be drafted. During an interview at the NFL Combine, Cohen talked about his time at center, his experience at the Senior Bowl as an assistant offense for the Steelers, and more. Line coach Isaac Williams and his goal to spread mental health awareness throughout football.
Williams was one of Cohen’s offensive line coaches at the Senior Bowl, and Cohen talked about how much of an impact Williams had on his game.
“Good. He made a lot of great points. They corrected my stance while I was at the Senior Bowl, gave me a chance to be more athletic, and helped me make myself even stronger.” So I learned a little bit from him and the coach. [Chris] Watt from the Colts as well, these two guys gave me a lot of what I needed. ”
Cohen started all but one game for Alabama in 2021, but struggled with his mental health in the offseason. He said working at Herren, founded by former NBA player Chris Herren, saved his life.
“That was amazing. Saved my life. Thank you Coach Saban, Miss Terry [Saban], everyone out there. Thanks to the support I received back then, I was able to climb this far. I went there for a month and learned everything I could. I paid attention to everyone in the community around me and learned more about meditation and how to balance my emotions. And I haven’t had a bad day since I left. ”
Cohen will be transferred to Miami for the 2023 season, where he will play one of the best lines in college football, including combine participant Matt Lee, one of this year’s top draft centers. was also enrolled. Cohen is currently planning an early Day 3 selection and hopes to make his mental health awareness a priority and spread awareness when he enters the NFL.
“I know it’s not looked at very well in the NFL and I know we’re supposed to be raw and tough guys, but just helping out other NFL players and teammates. I feel like that’s more important, not just at that time, but that everyone in the world could use that information, that help, that courage to go and seek help for their mental health. I can. That’s something I want to do and I’m definitely looking forward to holding camps and getting kids talking about mental health. So start at an early age and keep spreading that information to everyone you can. ”
Cohen said the idea that soccer players should have a certain level of mental and physical toughness creates hurdles for them to express their feelings and recognize that they need help. However, he said he was encouraged by talking to former University of Alabama coach Nick Saban. May he go get the help he needs. He names Dak Prescott, Hayden Hurst as players he wants to join together to continue the conversation about mental health, eliminate the stigma around mental health, and create something “bigger than us” when talking about mental health. , citing NFL players like Solomon Thomas. health.
At an unofficial 6-4, 319 pounds, Cohen has the ideal size for an Interior offensive lineman, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he tests well and raises his draft stock a bit. The Steelers are pretty cautious with James Daniels, Isaac Seumalo and Nate Herbig, but depth is never a bad thing and Cohen could be a Day 3 option for the Steelers. There is. The team held a private meeting with Cohen and also clarified his relationship with him. Williams certainly helps the team’s interest in him. He’s an impressive figure on and off the field, and I have little doubt that Cohen will be successful wherever he ends up.
