The Oregon Ducks are one of the premier teams in the entire nation, and that comes with a lot. While most of that is good (recruits, facilities, funds, exposure), it also comes with a massive spotlight and equally large pressure. 

Arguably, nobody feels the brunt of that pressure more than quarterback Dante Moore. When you're not just the quarterback, but the star quarterback at that, all eyes are on you to lead your team with high expectations to victory. 

That can weigh on an NFL pro, let alone an 18-to 23-year-old young man. You need to have a solid foundation and the right people around you to be able to function properly amidst all that noise. 

Recently, on the topic of mental health, there has been discussion in the state of Oregon regarding the companies that are able to operate in the state. Dante Moore wrote a letter to Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek sharing his thoughts on how important mental health is. 

Moore shared this letter exclusively with The Oregonian/OregonLive. The reason for Moore’s letter to the Oregon Governor was to protect and expand virtual mental health services in Oregon, something Moore said he himself has benefited from in his life. 

“Early in my college career, I found myself struggling deeply: I was depressed,” Moore wrote. “The pressure and expectations that come with playing quarterback at a high level felt overwhelming at 18. Around that same time, my mother was diagnosed with cancer."

“Watching her endure chemotherapy while I tried to stay focused on school and football challenged me mentally and emotionally. It was heavy in ways that are difficult to put into words.”

Moore's mom was diagnosed with breast cancer during his time with the UCLA Bruins, and thankfully was declared cancer-free the following summer of 2024. He and his head coach, Dan Lanning, share a bond in this respect as his wife, Sauphia Lanning, has survived bone cancer.

“In my life, what made the difference was support. Support from my friends, love from my family, and access to the resources I needed to get better. As a young Black man and athlete, reaching out for help can often feel like climbing an uphill battle. It required vulnerability and trust, and I was fortunate to get the care I needed.”

Moore also listed statistics, including that suicide is the number two leading cause of death for young adults in the state of Oregon and that more than half of those young adults suffering in Oregon receive no treatment. This is his generation and his demographic. 

“These are not just statistics; they are frightening realities,” Moore wrote. “They represent students, teammates, and families carrying grief, trauma, and silent struggles without support.”

“I recently challenged my teammates to lead beyond the field and use our platform to support people who feel voiceless,” Moore wrote. “Leadership is not just about what we do on Saturdays — it is about who we stand up for every day. As a quarterback, I am expected to lead, stay composed, and carry responsibility for my team.

“Learning how to care for my own mental health made me a better leader, teammate, and student. I know what it feels like to struggle in silence. I also know what it feels like to be supported and to come back stronger. That support saved me.”

These are truly vulnerable, aware, and touching comments from one of the most elite collegiate athletes and brave young men in the country. If you're a teammate of Moore's or a fan of the Ducks, you couldn't have a better young man and leader taking this Oregon football team into 2026. 

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