Regarding: Limits and Potentials of Sports Psychology
In retrospect, Dennis can no longer say what came first. He says he knew something was wrong with him. But he had no idea what was going on with him and where he could find suitable help. He no longer remembers which feeling was first in his mind and ultimately permeated and paralyzed his whole body so much that he felt such great distress.
DENNIS ZIMMERMANN: NO REGRETS! (WHY DON'T WE JUST ASK THE BEST? EPISODE 2)
Then I wondered if his closest confidants might have been able to recognize something during that time before July 24, 2011. Were there signs of a change, even signs of depression? Never Alone And so, after this interview, the wonderful opportunity arose for me to meet Dennis' mother and ask all my questions. Thank you, dear Sabine, for allowing every critical question and making me feel that Dennis was never alone, no matter how dark it was! In this conversation with Dennis' mother, she told me at the beginning how she had read my article about Niklas Römer and thought it could also be about Dennis. There were so many parallels in terms of this "obsession" and enormous ambition.NIKLAS RÖMER: LOOK GOOD – FEEL GOOD – PLAY GOOD (WHY DON'T WE JUST ASK THE BEST? EPISODE 1)
Straight Path to Scholarship Football always came first for Dennis. He never really enjoyed school; training was the highlight of his day. So, there was even a visit to a school psychologist back then. The psychologist later told the mother that Dennis could easily pass his high school diploma, but he would certainly not do it because he would have to see added value and meaning in it – which he did not see. But this focus on sports always paid off for him. He was always the hero. When he received the NFL scholarship for two years in America at the age of 16, his mother immediately agreed, no matter how difficult it was for her. She was either in the stadium or following every game on the internet via live stream. All Eyes on the Quarterback And that's why she remembers so well the moment when it became clear to her that something was wrong too. It was a home game in Braunschweig. She was sitting in the stands when suddenly one of the fans expressed that "this Dennis Zimmermann couldn't get anything right anymore" and "he should be fired." And "what a terribly bad player he was, who couldn't get anything right." "In that moment, my heart broke," Sabine says. "I felt so sorry for my son, and for the first time, I could feel all the pressure on his shoulders." During that time, the coaches and some of the players blamed Dennis solely for the team's lack of success. "That's the dark side of this position. All eyes on the quarterback – and all the expectations." Dennis in Quicksand "And I saw my son during that time and felt like he was in quicksand. The more he tried to free himself from the situation, the deeper he sank into it. And Dennis kept withdrawing further, distancing himself from the team, actually from everything. Before and after the games, he sat apart from the team, listened to music, was introspective. As a mother, seeing your child sinking was almost unbearable. I felt incredibly helpless." "When I heard that there was someone who Dennis wanted to tell his story to after all these years, I was so grateful that someone took the time to look beyond the pads and helmet. And I hope that maybe there is just one young player whom Dennis can help with his story to find a good way for himself in difficult situations. And to have an expert by his side to guide him on this path."AND THAT IS EXACTLY WHY THIS STORY WAS TOLD – TO HELP!
Sports Psychology as Part of Football? From a sports psychological perspective, I am certain that Dennis' story is a great example of why sports psychology must be an integral part of football. In my work, I attend many trainings, before and during the season. I observe the players and coaches closely: their body language, communication, changes in their behavior. I analyze these together in individual conversations and work on them. I am sure that with the professional view of a sports psychological counselor, I would have seen changes in Dennis early on and addressed them specifically. The Limits of Sports Psychology At this point, there is a crucial question for the expert: If it had been the case back then that Dennis exhibited depressive tendencies, we would have reached the limits of sports psychology in the sense that we do not work clinically. However, I would have accompanied him on his way to professionals and experts so that he could get the help he so desperately needed. But if I had found that he couldn't cope with the lack of success and the associated pressure, we would have been right in the middle of an exciting sports psychological topic and could have early on pursued a change in course together. All you fantastic athletes, you strong QBs out there – take good care of yourselves, and no matter how difficult it may sometimes be, never give up!
