Oregon quarterback Dante Moore has publicly revealed his battles with depression during his college football career. In a letter to Gov. Tina Kotek dated March 3, Moore disclosed how the pressures of playing quarterback at a high level, combined with his mother's cancer diagnosis in 2023, created overwhelming mental health challenges.

Moore, who transferred to Oregon after playing at UCLA, wrote that he struggled deeply during his early college years. His mother, Jera Bohlen-Moore, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 while he was at UCLA. She was declared cancer-free in summer 2024. Moore emphasized that support from friends, family, and access to mental health resources made the difference in his recovery.

The quarterback's letter specifically advocated for protecting and expanding virtual mental health services in Oregon. He credited these services for helping him through his darkest periods. Moore also challenged his teammates to use their platform to support those who feel voiceless, noting that learning to care for his own mental health made him a better leader and teammate.