On March 21, 2025, the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Johnson hosted a suicide awareness training event, featuring Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman and NFL agent Paul DeRousselle. The session, held at the Bayou Theater, focused on the importance of teamwork and mutual support in suicide prevention.
During the event, Coleman and DeRousselle shared their personal insights, aiming to foster a sense of community among the audience. When asked about managing teammates under pressure, Coleman emphasized the power of unity: “We support each other, no matter what. If one teammate is struggling, we’re all struggling together until we find a way to help.”
The event took a lighthearted turn when Coleman called his quarterback, Josh Allen, during a live demonstration. Allen answered, greeted the audience, and thanked the troops for their service.
DeRousselle, drawing from his law career where he witnessed the high rates of mental health struggles, spoke about the importance of teamwork in preventing suicide. He shared a personal story of a classmate who had committed suicide, noting the signs were evident but ignored. He advised the audience to be proactive in recognizing warning signs and offering support. DeRousselle also highlighted the challenges faced by athletes and soldiers transitioning out of their respective careers, and the importance of providing psychological resources.
He concluded by urging the audience to support those in crisis and emphasized the availability of resources such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, offering help for anyone struggling with mental health challenges.
