Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones is putting his weight behind mental health awareness, participating in 'Kicking The Stigma's launch of 'Strength In Every Story,' an athlete-led campaign described by the Eagle-Tribune as designed to spark meaningful conversations, challenge stigma, and encourage people to seek support when they need it.

Jones also discussed prioritizing mental health in an interview segment distributed by the Daily Gate City, in which host Rob Maaddi broke down the quarterback's message alongside trade-deadline talk and pro picks.

For a player whose future is under scrutiny amid the Colts' 2-5 start, the choice to speak publicly now is a notable use of his platform.

Starting quarterbacks rarely volunteer vulnerability mid-season, especially while battling questions about their own performance and health.

Jones returned from surgery to repair a torn right Achilles to start Week 1, and the Colts' struggles have raised more questions about his future, according to the Eagle-Tribune. Speaking openly about mental health in that environment breaks the stoic-quarterback stereotype.

His message — that looking out for yourself, knowing when you need help, and being comfortable sharing matters regardless of where you stand on a roster — runs against the culture of toughness that dominates professional football.

The awareness push is deeply personal for Jones. Per the Eagle-Tribune, in 2018 he lost his high school friend and teammate Sean Bonner Jr. to suicide, and the Bonner family founded the nonprofit Mission 34 to honor their son and raise awareness.

Jones has partnered with Mission 34 through the NFL's My Cause My Cleats campaign.

He told the AP's 'Football Unfiltered' podcast that maintaining the right perspective helps him deal with the sport's ups and downs, saying he feels lucky to have a strong support system of family and friends who are in his corner regardless of how things go on Sunday.

In the interview segment highlighted by the Daily Gate City, the Colts quarterback talks about the importance of prioritizing mental health, explaining on the AP's 'Football Unfiltered' podcast that it comes down to relationships — having people you can talk to and being comfortable sharing what you are going through.

He added that many people experience the same struggles, and that advice, encouragement, or someone else's experience can help you take steps toward feeling better. Hearing a starting NFL quarterback say this out loud is exactly the kind of conversation the campaign is designed to spark.

The pressure of playing in the NFL and dealing with failure to meet expectations can take a heavy toll on a player's psyche, the Eagle-Tribune reports.

The league has emphasized the importance of prioritizing mental health and recently launched, along with the NFL Players Association, a Behavioral Health Network designed to provide simplified and confidential access to mental health assistance.

The Colts have led on awareness for years through Kicking The Stigma, an initiative that was important to the late owner Jim Irsay and is personal for his daughter Kalen Jackson, a team owner and the Indianapolis Colts Foundation's chief brand officer and president.

Six-time Pro Bowl right tackle Lane Johnson also retired from the Eagles earlier this month, saying it is critical that he focus on his mental health.