Jaylen Brown Opens Up: “I Had to Go Through the Darkness to Find My Light”
Boston Celtics star speaks candidly about depression, pressure, and rediscovering purpose
Boston, MA – August 1, 2025
In a rare and deeply personal moment, Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown opened up publicly about his battle with depression, the crushing weight of expectations, and the quiet inner war behind his seemingly unshakable demeanor. During an exclusive sit-down interview on The Pivot, Brown peeled back the curtain on his mental health journey — one that nearly made him walk away from the game he loves.
> “There were times,” Brown admitted, “when I’d leave practice, get in my car, and just sit. No music. No calls. Just this cloud hanging over me. I felt empty. Like I was giving the world everything and still coming up short inside.”
Brown, 28, has long been seen as one of the NBA’s most intellectually driven players — a deep thinker, an activist, and a fierce competitor. But as he revealed, even his most confident moments on the court couldn’t protect him from the pressure that mounted behind the scenes.
The turning point came after the Celtics’ crushing Game 7 loss in the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals — Brown’s third in five seasons. Despite a First Team All-NBA nod and a career-high 27.3 points per game, he was lambasted by fans and analysts for turnovers and late-game decision-making.
> “The hate hurt,” he said. “I had people questioning my value, calling me overrated, selfish. I started to believe some of it. And that’s when the darkness crept in. Not just doubt — but real sadness. Depression.”
Brown described waking up in the middle of the night, consumed by anxiety. He began seeing a therapist regularly, diving into mindfulness practices, journaling, and limiting his exposure to social media.
But what changed everything, he says, was reconnecting with purpose — beyond basketball.
> “Basketball stopped being enough. Fame, money, it all felt hollow. I had to redefine why I do this. I realized: I’m here to lead. To serve. To empower.”
In the 2025 offseason, Brown expanded his “7uice Foundation,” launching mental health workshops in Boston-area schools and funding scholarships for Black students pursuing psychology degrees. He’s also become an advocate for the NBA to provide deeper, long-term mental health support for players — particularly those in high-pressure markets.
> “Athletes aren’t robots. We’re human. Just because we wear a jersey doesn’t mean we’re not hurting inside,” Brown said, his voice steady but passionate.
Fellow teammate Jayson Tatum praised Brown’s honesty, calling it “bravery beyond basketball.” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla added that Brown’s transformation has made him “a better leader — and a better man.”
With training camp on the horizon, Brown is reportedly in the best shape of his career — but, more importantly, in the best headspace. He ended the interview with a powerful reflection:
> “I went through the fire. Now, I’m still here — stronger, wiser, and finally at peace. That’s the real win.”
In a league that often measures greatness by banners and rings, Jaylen Brown just delivered something even more valuable: truth.
Would you like a version told in Jaylen’s own voice, like a Players’ Tribune essay?
