LOOK: Dayne Shor sends message on cyber bullying following transfer from Alabama
Dayne Shor received plenty of media attention following his transfer from Alabama after just one semester. Now, the three-star offensive tackle from the 2022 class is hoping to use that spotlight to send a positive message to those struggling with mental health issues.
On the same day it was reported he intended to transfer, Shor shared details about his own mental health struggles in a tweet. Saturday, he appeared on Twitter again to discuss the ways in which cyber bullying has affected him since his decision to transfer. Although he said he has received plenty of support from fans, there has also been a fair share of criticism and negativity.
Shor wants people to realize the power their words have, not only on him, but others living in the social media age as well.
“I just wanted to take the time to say I appreciate all the words of encouragement from you all,” Shor wrote. “I can’t express how much it means to me to receive all these heart-felt messages. Things like this is what fuels me to keep going, so for that I thank you all.
“I also wanted to address the negative comments. I wanted to thank the negative comments for giving me extra motivation and strength. But please be aware of what you say to or about an individual. There’s kids out there that struggle with cyber bullying or bullying in general. So just think about what you say about or towards an individual. I’m here to help spread a positive message! Unless and until our society recognizes cyber bullying for what it is, the suffering of thousands of silent victims will continue.”
Prior to joining the Crimson Tide, Shor was the No. 33 overall offensive tackle recruit nationwide, via the On3 Consensus. Moreover, Shor played his high school football at IMG Academy in Florida, but he hails from Alpharetta, Georgia. According to the On3 Consensus, Shor was the No. 71 recruit out of Florida, and the No. 543 recruit nationwide.
Before committing to head coach Nick Saban and Alabama, Dayne Shor was highly-recruited — holding offers from programs like Georgia, Texas A&M, Penn State, Michigan and more. Time will tell where the talented offensive lineman takes his talents after deciding he wouldn’t stay with Alabama.
Dayne Shor opens up about mental health struggles
It took Dayne Shor just one semester to realize that Alabama wasn’t for him. An unusual occurrence, social media began buzzing regarding Shor’s decision to enter the transfer portal, prompting the early enrollee freshman to open up about his struggles with mental health.
“I have dealt with the pain of depression and anxiety for what seems to be a long time now,” he wrote. “Two years ago, I was fighting for my life against mental illness. It is safe to say that every day I was suffering with living in darkness, with pain, and with sadness. The feeling of wanting to take your own life is a feeling like no other, and a feeling that I would wish no one else to have to ever feel.
“The voices in my head would often take control of my life. There are wounds that will never show on my body, but that are deeper and more painful than any physical wound that bleeds. The pain and struggle with mental health is horrendous.”
The former Alabama enrollee expressed gratitude for The Herren Project and Herren Wellness for providing Shor with tools and coping skills that has helped him work through some of his problems regarding his mental health.
“I also want to express sincere appreciation to the staff, doctors, and coaches at the University of Alabama for giving me the means and opportunity to better myself through the Herren Project,” Shor wrote.
On3’s Barkley Truax contributed to this report.