Ohio State: Devin Sanchez, a five-star quarterback, asks why they are still alive….

highly regarded five-star quarterback—touches on deep themes of existence, purpose, and the complexities of human life. In many ways, such a question can reveal a lot about the pressures that come with fame, expectation, and the weight of personal and professional struggles. It invites a reflection on why any of us are here, what keeps us going, and what shapes our perception of life and survival.

The Weight of Expectations

For someone like Devin Sanchez, a five-star quarterback, life is often marked by intense scrutiny and pressure. His skills on the football field have led to high expectations—from coaches, teammates, fans, and even himself. This pressure to constantly perform at the highest level, to meet the expectations set by others, and to live up to an image of success can sometimes create a profound sense of isolation and internal conflict. With so much attention on his every move, it’s easy to see how someone might question why they are still alive, or more specifically, why they feel compelled to keep pushing forward.

In this context, Devin’s question might stem from the psychological toll that comes with the relentless pursuit of perfection. Success in sports is often viewed as an all-consuming journey, where personal well-being sometimes takes a backseat to performance. For a young athlete like Devin, the idea of constantly being in the public eye can create a sense of anxiety or even existential doubt. It’s not uncommon for young people, especially those who are thrust into the spotlight, to feel disconnected from their true selves, questioning their worth and their purpose beyond the accolades and achievements.

The Fragility of Life

Devin’s question may also tap into a deeper understanding of life’s fragility. Athletes, particularly those in contact sports like football, face significant risks every time they step onto the field. Injuries, physical trauma, and the toll that years of rigorous training take on the body can make anyone reflect on their own mortality. For someone as high-profile as Devin, the awareness of how quickly things can change—from being the star player to being sidelined by an injury—can lead to existential reflections about the value of life itself.

It’s in these moments of crisis, when one’s future seems uncertain, that the question “Why am I still alive?” can arise. It is a natural response to the vulnerability and unpredictability that is inherent in life, especially for someone whose life is structured around high-risk performance. The fragility of life often becomes apparent when people confront their own physical limitations, whether through injury, exhaustion, or moments of doubt.

A Search for Purpose

For Devin, as for many young people, the question of “Why am I still alive?” could also be a reflection of a search for deeper meaning or purpose. It’s one thing to be successful in terms of external achievements; it’s another thing entirely to feel internally fulfilled and connected to something greater than oneself. In a world that values success and visibility, it can be easy to lose sight of what truly matters on a personal and spiritual level. For someone like Devin, who has likely been groomed from an early age to excel in football, the challenge of reconciling the person he is in the spotlight with who he is behind closed doors can lead to moments of profound questioning.

Athletes often live in a dual world—the one the public sees and the one they experience privately. The disparity between these two worlds can lead to a deep sense of dissatisfaction and even despair, especially when they begin to feel that they are valued only for their performance and not for who they truly are. In Devin’s case, his identity as a quarterback might overshadow every other aspect of his life, causing him to wonder if he has a purpose beyond his athletic ability. This existential questioning is not just about his career in football but about what truly makes life worth living.

The Influence of Mental Health

The conversation surrounding mental health in sports has gained significant traction in recent years. High-profile athletes, including football players, have spoken openly about their struggles with depression, anxiety, and stress, acknowledging that the pressures they face can sometimes be overwhelming. These mental health struggles can also contribute to feelings of isolation, detachment, and confusion about one’s place in the world.

For a young person like Devin, who has likely been conditioned to view his success through the lens of competition and achievement, there may be moments when the weight of his emotional and mental health challenges becomes too much to bear. In such cases, the question of why they are still alive can stem from an internal struggle to reconcile the pressure to succeed with the need to prioritize personal well-being. The idea that one must constantly strive for greatness, without taking time to reflect on or care for one’s mental state, can lead to deep emotional fatigue. This mental toll might contribute to the questioning of why life feels so difficult, even when one is seemingly “living the dream.”

The Role of Support Systems

In grappling with existential questions like “Why am I still alive?” it’s important to consider the role that support systems play in shaping one’s ability to endure. For someone like Devin, the support of family, friends, coaches, and mental health professionals can make a significant difference in navigating periods of doubt and struggle. Having a strong support system can help provide perspective and remind individuals of their value beyond their achievements. In moments of despair, having someone to talk to—someone who can offer empathy, understanding, and encouragement—can make all the difference in re-establishing a sense of purpose.

For a young athlete like Devin, his support system could be instrumental in helping him navigate both the highs and lows of his career. Coaches and teammates can offer a sense of camaraderie, while family and friends can provide unconditional love and understanding. These relationships can help ground him in his identity as a person, not just as an athlete. In times of deep questioning, they can remind him of the broader context of his life, offering reassurance that his value is not solely determined by his football career.

Conclusion: Finding Meaning in Life

Ultimately, Devin’s question—”Why am I still alive?”—is a profound reflection on the complexity of existence, the pressures of fame, and the search for purpose. It’s a reminder that behind every public figure is a person with their own set of struggles, hopes, and fears. For athletes like Devin, the challenge lies in reconciling the external demands of their careers with their internal needs for mental health, self-identity, and emotional fulfillment.

In the end, the answer to such a question is not easily found in a single moment of clarity. Rather, it is an ongoing journey—a process of self-discovery, growth, and understanding. Whether Devin is seeking a deeper purpose beyond his football career or grappling with the pressures of success, his question is one that many can relate to. It calls attention to the complexities of life, the value of mental health, and the importance of having a support system to help navigate the challenging moments.