By Alex Bass
Correspondent
RALEIGH – Greg Ellis was comfortable and at home on Sept. 16, surrounded by familiar faces in a familiar setting, Roberts Park – just a short trip from his native Wendell.
The former East Wake High School multisport standout, who became an All-American football defensive end at UNC Chapel Hill and later a Pro Bowl selection while with the Dallas Cowboys (1998-2008), now wants others to feel comfortable and at home when discussing mental health care.
Ellis, having stepped aside from playing and coaching football, travels the country as a mental health advocate who employs a specific model as a contribution to ongoing mental wellness pursuits.
“The average individual is not going to walk up, not even to their mom in some cases, and admit, ‘Hey mom, I need to get some help,’” said Ellis, who celebrated his 50th birthday last month. “The end goal is to introduce people to their local mental health care providers.”
Ellis’ nonprofit, Getting My Help Mental Wellness Foundation, includes a GMH app. He also is the writer/director of the movie “My Dear,” which addresses implications and consequences for unattended mental health needs.
North Carolina premieres of the film were held in Fayetteville and Raleigh earlier this month. There is a panel discussion, and a question-and-answer session with local mental health care providers after the movie. Attendees can return to the app, select a description aligned with their needs and receive information on local resources.
Gabriel Bewley, a mental health counselor associate with Renewed Strength Counseling Services of Knightdale, said Ellis’ transparency enhances his authenticity. “He’ll be the first to say he doesn’t know everything about it,” Bewley said.
Still, Ellis embraces how his “role model” standing can contribute to what Bewley explained as to “destigmatize the discussion point” on how 1 in 5 people receive mental wellness care.
“We know that there are more people out there that need it,” Bewley said. “When we talk about it more, it gets out there in the public more, and we’re able to build connections with people with whom we normally would not build connections.”
Ellis will extend his outreach in Chicago on Oct. 1 in what has been quite a year for him. He was inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in May. Earlier this month, the Dallas Morning News ranked him No. 80 among the top 100 all-time Dallas Cowboys.
“That’s a lot of gray area there,” said Ellis, who was eager to acknowledge the on- and off-field impact of teammates not listed. “What kind of teammate were they? Did they play a role on a team that uplifts?”
For Ellis, a full-circle answer to that question came at Roberts Park.
Tim Marriott, who has worked there in various capacities since 1977, coached Ellis in youth sports. He said Ellis made a strong impression back then.
“I figured since he was so into his family, he would grow into a God-fearing man, which he has done,” Marriott said.
