Earlier this summer, Ryan O’Callaghan, a former offensive tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots, came out as gay. O’Callaghan said he knew he was gay for much of his life, but after his retirement in 2011, he knew he would have nowhere to hide his sexuality. He had plans to end his life out of fear that without his status as a football player, no one would accept him as the man he had been hiding. O’Callaghan struggled with a painkiller addiction and depression until Chiefs trainer David Price and Susan Wilson, a psychologist who worked with the team, helped him come out as a gay former NFL player.
Recently, the Packers’ Aaron Rodgers, a college teammate of O’Callaghan’s, spoke to O’Callaghan’s strength in both his recovery and his decision to come out. In an interview with ESPN, Rodgers, who has addressed rumors of his own sexuality, said:
"I'm incredibly proud of him. I know he had a lot of fear about it, and how he would be accepted, and how people would change around him. I think society is finally moving in the right direction, as far as treating all people with respect and love and acceptance and appreciation. And the locker room, I think the sport is getting closer."
According to the NFL Players Association, the average NFL career — something players strive their entire lives for — is just 3.3 years. With such tenuous job security, many players feel pressured to avoid any incident or perceived scandal that could shorten their time in the NFL.
Rodgers said there’s little that would stop a team from cutting a player over a personal issue such as their sexuality and excusing the decision by simply stating, “Well, it's because you can't play."
O’Callaghan stated that during his time in the league, he witnessed very little homophobic behavior or language from the players, but the fear of being found out and marginalized by the front office or a conservative league kept him in the closet. Rodgers feels the league is slowly moving past that.
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Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.