Former CSU Pueblo defensive standout joins Army veteran father in pushing veterans and athletes to seek help when they need it
Colorado State University Pueblo alumnus Morgan Fox and his Army veteran father are using their platforms to break down mental health stigmas. They emphasize that “asking for help is brave” in a recent Wounded Warrior Project interview.
The Atlanta Falcons defensive end and his father, Joe Fox, participated in an interview. They discussed vulnerability, connection, and mental wellness ahead of the upcoming football season. Their message is timely. More than 6 in 10 post-9/11 veterans registered with the Wounded Warrior Project report living with mental health conditions. These include PTSD, anxiety, or depression.
“When we speak up, we show strength,” both men said in the interview. “Asking for help is brave, and healing is always possible.”
Joe Fox is a regional director for Project Odyssey at Wounded Warrior Project in Colorado Springs. He helps fellow veterans navigate their healing journeys. He also works to build their resilience. His military service inspired his son’s longtime advocacy for veterans. This dedication earned Morgan three nominations for the NFL’s Salute to Service award.
The interview builds on their recent participation in a Wounded Warrior Project mental health event. It highlights how the NFL’s Salute to Service initiative supports no-cost programs for veterans and their families.
Morgan Fox played for the ThunderWolves from 2012-15, appearing in 47 games and recording 154 tackles, 46.5 tackles for loss, and 34.5 sacks with two forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. As a senior in 2015, he earned the title of Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year. He led NCAA Division II in sacks per game at 1.42, while his 128 sack yards led Division II. He totaled 17 sacks that season and averaged 1.8 tackles for loss per game.
Fox holds the Pack’s single-season and career records for sacks with 17 and 36, respectively. He was named a finalist for the 2015 Cliff Harris Small College Defensive Player of the Year. He was also the runner-up for the Gene Upshaw Division II Lineman of the Year Award.
After going undrafted in 2016, Fox is now entering his ninth NFL season. The defensive end has appeared in over 120 NFL games during his career. He played for the Rams, Panthers, Chargers, and now Atlanta. He has recorded 27.5 career sacks. He played the past three seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers before joining Atlanta.
The National Institute of Mental Health reports that men are less likely to receive mental health treatment than women. This disparity makes the Foxes’ advocacy particularly important. Through Project Odyssey, Joe Fox empowers veterans to manage PTSD and reconnect with purpose.
The full interactive interview and additional mental health resources are available through Wounded Warrior Project’s website. The organization encourages people to stay connected with each other and reach out for help during challenging times.
