Oregon star Dante Moore writes letter to governor advocating for access to mental health services
NEWNow you can listen to News articles!
Oregon Ducks star quarterback Dante Moore is not only looking to make an impact on the field, but off it as well.
Moore, 20, wrote a letter to Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek on March 3, advocating for greater access to mental health services in the state. Moore spoke about her struggle with depression in the letter.
“Early in my college career, I found myself struggling deeply: I was depressed,” Moore wrote in the letter, which he shared with The Oregonian. “The pressure and expectations that come with playing quarterback at a high level were overwhelming at age 18. Around the same time, my mother was diagnosed with cancer.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON News
Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) warms up before the 2025 Orange Bowl and College Football Playoff quarterfinal game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on January 1, 2026. (Sam Navarro/Image Images)
“Watching her endure chemotherapy while I tried to focus on school and football was mentally and emotionally challenging. It was heavy in ways that are hard to put into words.”
Moore’s mother, Jera Bohlen-Moore, was diagnosed with breast cancer during Moore’s first season at UCLA, in the spring of 2023. She was declared cancer-free in the summer of 2024, when Moore transferred to Oregon.
The Ducks’ star quarterback said how difficult it can be to find support.
USC LEGEND SAYS HE HAS GIVEN SCHOOL OFFICIALS STRONG RESPONSE ON WHETHER HE WOULD REMOVE THE NUMBER OF RECRUITS
Oregon quarterback Dante Moore (5) passes against Indiana during the second half of the NCAA Peach Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal in Atlanta, Georgia, on Jan. 9, 2026. (Brynn Anderson/AP Photo)
“In my life, what made the difference was support,” Moore wrote. “The support from my friends, the love from my family, and access to the resources I needed to get better. As a young black athlete and athlete, asking for help can often feel like an uphill battle. It required vulnerability and trust, and I was lucky to receive the care I needed.”
Moore cited numerous statistics, including that suicide is the second leading cause of death among young adults in Oregon. The quarterback said he challenged his teammates to become better leaders.
“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, but who we defend each day. As a quarterback, I am expected to lead, maintain composure and be responsible for my team.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE News APP
Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) looks to pass against the Indiana Hoosiers in the first half of the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, a college football playoff semifinal, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Jan. 9, 2026. (Brett Davis/Image Images)
“Learning to take care of my own mental health made me a better leader, teammate, and student. I know what it feels like to fight in silence. I also know what it feels like to be supported and come back stronger. That support saved me.”
Last season was Moore’s first as a starter at Oregon and he thrived. He completed 71.8% of his passes for 3,565 yards with 30 touchdowns and 10 interceptions while rushing for 156 yards and two touchdowns.
Moore helped lead the Ducks to a 13-2 record and was widely mocked as a top pick in the NFL Draft before opting to return to school.
Follow News Digital sports coverage in Xand subscribe to the News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Ryan Canfield is a digital production assistant for News Digital.