Oregon star Dante Moore writes to governor advocating for access to mental health services

Oregon Ducks star quarterback Dante Moore is looking to make an impact not only on the field, but off it as well.

Moore, 20, wrote a letter to Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek on March 3 calling for increased access to mental health services in the state. Moore spoke about his struggles with depression in the letter.

“Early in my college career, I found myself struggling deeply: I was depressed,” Moore wrote in the letter, which he shared with The Oregonian. “The pressure and expectations that come with playing quarterback at a high level felt overwhelming at 18. At the same time, my mom was diagnosed with cancer.

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“Watching her endure chemotherapy while I tried to focus on school and football challenged her mentally and emotionally. It was overwhelming in ways that are hard to put into words.”

Moore’s mother, Gera Bohlin Moore, was diagnosed with breast cancer in the spring of 2023 during Moore’s first season at UCLA. She was declared cancer-free in the summer of 2024, when Moore moved to Oregon.

The Ducks’ star quarterback said how difficult it can be to reach out for support.

The USC legend says he had a strong response from school officials asking him if he didn’t take a retired number for recruiting.

Oregon quarterback Dante Moore (5) passes against Indiana during the second half of the Peach Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal on January 9, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Brian Anderson/AP Photo)

“In my life, what made the difference was support,” Moore wrote. “The support of my friends, the love of my family, and access to the resources I needed to get better. As a young black man and athlete, reaching out for help can often feel like an uphill battle. It takes vulnerability and trust, and I was lucky to get the care I needed.”

Moore cited several statistics, including that suicide is the second leading cause of death for young adults in Oregon. The quarterback said he challenges his teammates to be better leaders.

“I recently challenged my teammates to lead beyond the field and use our platform to advocate for people who feel voiceless,” Moore wrote. “Leadership isn’t just about what we do on Saturday – it’s about who we stand for every day. As a quarterback, I’m expected to lead, stay organized, and take responsibility for my team.

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Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) runs against the Indiana Hoosiers during the first half of the College Football Playoff semifinal Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 9, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Brett Davis/Amigen Pictures)

“Learning how to take care of my mental health has made me a better leader, teammate, and student. I know what it feels like to struggle in silence. I also know what it feels like to be supported and come back strong. That support saved me.”

Last season was Moore’s first season as a starter at Oregon, and he thrived. He completed 71.8% of his passes for 3,565 yards with 30 touchdowns and 10 interceptions while rushing for 156 yards and two touchdowns.

Moore helped lead the Ducks to a 13-2 record and was widely mocked as a top pick in the NFL draft before he returned to school.

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