UCLA Bruins lineman Thomas Cole retires following suicide attempt

UCLA lineman Thomas Cole shared a tragic personal story over the weekend about his retirement from the sport following a suicide attempt. Cole shared that he was away from the team facilities for the last six months because at the start of 2022 he attempted to take his own life.

As he explained his personal struggles, Cole decided that football was “not conducive for [his] mental health.”

UCLA’s Thomas Cole shares struggle after suicide attempt

“I haven’t been present at the Wasserman facility for the past six months. This is because at the start of 2022 I made an attempt to take my own life,” admitted Cole via social media. “At first I was regretful that I survived my attempt, but thankfully due to the people at the UCLA hospital, Paradigm residential treatment, and my therapist Meg, I have come to a much brighter outlook for my own future.

“After many months of thorough consideration I have come to the conclusion that football is not conducive for my mental health, and there is more to my life than the game of football. This does not negate the impact that my teammates and coaches have had on my life. Through thick and thin the freshman offensive line, consisting of Benjamin Roy, Garrett DiGiorgio, Noah Pulealii, and Taka Mahe were there for me. These men brought me so much joy and laughter in a time of immense personal suffering. For these friendships I am forever thankful. I will miss competing and the game of football. But I will mostly miss the people it has brought into my life.

“I will forever cheer on the Bruins and wish the football program nothing but success. Everyone I interacted with at UCLA, from coaches to teachers, tutors and more thank you so much! You all have had a great impact in my life.”

Cole’s tragic year may have led to him battling with his mental health without Bruins fans knowing, but he closed his statement with advice and a plea to anyone else who is struggling as he is.

“For all of those who may be struggling, you are not alone and you are loved. It is ok to ask for help. Thank you to my family for being so loving during this process of learning to live again.”

Cole joined the Bruins in early 2021, but did not see action on the field in his freshman season. His retirement announcement comes on the heels of another Bruins player, Martell Irby, who announced that he was retiring from the sport due to mental health challenges of his own.