Eric Hipple

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American public speaker and retired professional American football player, whose 2008 book, Real Men Do Cry, discusses his playing career, his bouts with depression, and details of the warning signs of teens who have died from suicide. Hipple was selected by the Detroit Lions in the fourth round of the 1980 NFL Draft. He played his entire 10-season NFL career for the Detroit Lions (1980-1986, 1988-1989). He missed the whole 1987 season with a sprained thumb. His best year as a pro came during the 1985 season when he threw 17 touchdown passes. As a result of the suicide by shotgun in 2000 of Hipple's 15-year-old son, Hipple is involved in educating people about the dangers of depression. Hipple delivers speeches on suicide prevention and mental illness at high schools, youth groups, members of the military and their families, local organizations and corporations. He is the Outreach Coordinator of the Depression Center of the University of Michigan. A documentary film by the Depression Center features Hipple. He also co-authored a study about depression and pain in retired professional football players. Hipple has acknowledged he has also suffered from bouts with depression, including his adolescence. After his son's death, Hipple abused drugs and alcohol and was convicted of drunk driving and served time in jail. He filed for bankruptcy as well. Link to Wikipedia biography