Oregon Coach Dan Lanning Champions Player Mental Health

Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning recently addressed quarterback Dante Moore’s advocacy for mental health awareness, highlighting a letter Moore penned to Oregon Governor Tina Kotek. Lanning emphasized the program’s dedication to supporting the emotional well-being of its players.

Moore's Decision to Prioritize Mental Wellness

Quarterback Dante Moore made headlines when he chose to return to the University of Oregon for another season, foregoing a projected top-5 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Lanning fully supported Moore’s decision to use his platform to address a cause deeply important to him: mental health.

“We have conversations all the time, not necessarily just about that. We talk about a lot of stuff. Dante's his own man. We’re proud that he has a willingness to speak up with a platform that he has,” Lanning stated.

Advocacy and Personal Struggles

In March, Moore, 20, publicly shared his personal experiences with depression and advocated for improved access to mental healthcare in a letter to Governor Kotek. He followed this with a heartfelt video on Instagram, demonstrating maturity as he discussed topics like suicide and healthcare.

Moore is stepping into a larger leadership role for the Ducks in 2026, and his voice carries significant weight. His willingness to speak openly can encourage others to do the same.

A Player-First Program

Lanning stressed that the Oregon program fosters an environment where players feel comfortable expressing themselves. He believes this is crucial for their growth as individuals and contributes to the program’s success.

“I think all of our guys feel really comfortable as a family here. So, you’re able to express yourself and communicate, and it’s important for us,” Lanning said. “We’re going to keep at the forefront of where we’re at. But we’re here to play football. Football is tough. Life’s hard. Our guys recognize all those pieces, but if you don’t recognize it in your program, then you’re probably missing something.”

Beyond Football: Developing People

Lanning emphasized that the Oregon program focuses on developing players as people, not just athletes. This commitment to trust and accountability has contributed to a strong retention rate, with no full-time starters entering the transfer portal since he took over.

Personal Connections to the Cause

Moore’s message is particularly impactful given his own battle with depression, which he attributes in part to the pressures of being a quarterback and his mother’s breast cancer diagnosis at age 18. Fortunately, his mother, Jera Bohlen-Moore, is now cancer-free, having been declared so in July 2024.

Coach Lanning also has personal experience with cancer, as his wife, Sauphia, battled osteosarcoma and is now nine years cancer-free after completing treatment in 2017. He has previously discussed Sauphia’s journey, including a feature on ESPN’s College GameDay.

The Lannings also helped design the Oregon “Heroes” uniform, representing the program’s commitment to values beyond football.