The labeling theory states that people who are labeled as mentally ill and treated as mentally ill will then assume the role of a mentally ill person (Thoits, 2010). Additionally, it examines the effect of stigma on an individual. Among professional footballers, the label of mentally ill can ruin their career. In a job where there is so much competition and so much risk involved, a diagnosis of mental illness can mean the difference between one individual and another. Unless a player is one of the best at his position, he is constantly at risk of being replaced. Additionally, a mental illness label may prevent other teams from taking a chance on this player. This may be why players are hesitant to seek help for mental illness. The stigma associated with mental illness can also hinder the healing process, and if players are hesitant to seek treatment in the first place, it's no wonder they have difficulty leaving the NFL structure. According to the NCS, nearly 50% of the population reported experiencing some type of mental illness in their lifetime, compared to 51.5% of men (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 players are reluctant to seek treatment. Another possible problem is that teams employ their own