Labeling theory states that people labeled as mentally ill and treated as mentally ill will then take on the role of a mentally ill person (Thoits, 2010). Furthermore, it examines the effect of stigma on an individual. In professional footballers, the label of mentally ill can ruin a career. In a job with so much competition, with so much at stake, a diagnosis of mental illness can make the difference between one individual or another. Unless a player is one of the best at his position, he is constantly at risk of being replaced. Additionally, the mentally ill label may prevent other teams from giving that player a chance. This may be why players are reluctant to seek help for mental illness. The stigma that mental illness brings can also undermine the recovery process, and if players are reluctant to seek treatment in the first place, it's no wonder that when they leave the NFL facility they struggle. According to the NCS, nearly 50% of the population has reported some type of mental illness in their lifetime, with males reporting 51.5% (Kessler, 2010). In the macho culture of the NFL, where the label of mental illness can literally cost a player his job, it's no wonder that players are reluctant to seek treatment. Another further possible problem is that teams employ their own