Regional & State News
June 18, 2026 | 6:00 AM
Former Steeler Jawon Chisholm Talks Men’s Health, Mental Wellness, and Finding Purpose After Football
aired; June 17, 2026
For many athletes, the hardest part of their career begins after the final game
Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back and certified personal trainer Jawon Chisholm joined The Spark during Men’s Health Month to share his personal journey from professional football to fitness entrepreneur, and the lessons he’s learned about mental health, resilience, and rebuilding a life after sports
Chisholm says many people assume athletes naturally stay healthy for life, but the reality is often very different. After spending years following a structured routine built around football, he found himself struggling when that structure disappeared
“When that ball drops, reality hits,” he said
Following the end of his playing career, Chisholm battled depression, gained significant weight, and found himself searching for a new purpose. He credits fitness with helping him regain control of his life and says the experience shaped the way he now coaches others
“Do not count the days, make the days count,” he said, emphasizing that lasting change comes from consistency rather than quick fixes
The conversation also explored men’s mental health and why so many men struggle to ask for help. Chisholm spoke candidly about his own experiences with grief, trauma, and therapy, encouraging men to be open about what they’re going through
Those experiences inspired him to create Struggle to Succeed, a fitness and wellness community focused on meeting people where they are rather than judging where they start
“I wanted somebody to meet me where I was,” he explained. “We’re always meeting anybody where they’re at.”
Chisholm is also the founder of Run With Jawon, a free event now in its third year that has grown into one of Pennsylvania’s largest 100-meter races, attracting more than 200 participants. The event welcomes everyone—from children to seniors—and is designed to remove the intimidation often associated with fitness
“We don’t care who comes in first or second,” Chisholm said. “We just want you to get out there and run and have fun.”
Hear more about Chisholm’s approach to fitness and mental wellness, and how he’s using his story to inspire others by listening to the full conversation on The Spark podcast
