The latest edition of the Ross Tucker Football podcast, presented by DraftKings, saw the audience gain the insight of Dr Carrie Hastings, as she discussed her work with the LA Rams and the importance of focusing on mental health in sport.

The interview comes as the preseason draws to a close and the regular campaign prepares to commence – much to the excitement of fans across North America. 

Hastings underlined she is proud of the Rams and the role she has played as the franchise has ‘served as a model in terms of how they have developed their mental health programme’.

On the importance of mental health support and the role it plays in the tough climate that players go through, she added: “I just got back from training camp and the pressure – earning a position, battling it out with someone to start or get on that roster, anxiety about who is going to stay and who is going to go, and then when you get into the season – if you make a bad play, all of these things. 

“The thing is, they have always been there, but it is finally being talked about and it is finally being addressed and normalised so that we can then support the players and they can back on track sooner and not feel culpable.” 

She also highlighted the Olympics as a time when the light has been shone on the importance of mental health in sport, as a growing number of athletes become comfortable talking about issues. 

The LA Rams kick off their NFL campaign against the Chicago Bears, on 13 September, as fans eagerly anticipate the return of America’s most popular sport. The Rams are currently priced at around 11/2 and are second favourites to capture the NFC crown, only behind the current holders, The Tampa Bay Buccaneers.