Eric Hipple speaking at a wooden podium with a microphone.

Turn Setbacks Into Comebacks

Eric Hipple—former Detroit Lions quarterback, author, speaker, and mental health advocate—equips audiences with tools to bounce back, build mental fitness, and find renewed purpose.

“If you can’t own bad choices, you can’t own the good.”

Football player, Eric Hipple, in blue and silver uniform, number 17, preparing for a snap on the field, surrounded by teammates in similar uniforms, with blurred fans in the background.

About Eric

Eric Hipple’s journey is one of triumph, tragedy, and transformation. As the former starting quarterback for the Detroit Lions and a FOX NFL analyst, he experienced the adrenaline of victory and the weight of public scrutiny. But nothing could prepare him for the devastating loss of his 15-year-old son, Jeff, to suicide—a moment that changed his life forever.

Determined to turn his pain into purpose, Eric dedicates himself to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, working tirelessly to raise awareness about depression and suicide prevention. Now, Eric brings his message of resilience to audiences nationwide, from professional organizations to military bases and schools.

Keynote Topics

  • MVP and Still Not Enough? Rewriting the Imposter Story

    Success doesn’t always feel like success. Eric shares his journey from NFL MVP to battling self-doubt, uncovering the power of self-acceptance after loss, and learning how to redefine confidence, growth, and well-being.

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  • From Burnout to Buy-In: How Purpose Fuels Motivation

    External rewards fade, but true motivation lasts a lifetime. Eric explores how shifting from event-driven pressure to an intrinsic growth mindset leads to sustained success, balance, and fulfillment in both work and life.

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  • “I’m in Jail!” Owning the Outcome: Why Responsibility Is the First Step to Freedom

    Blame keeps us stuck—responsibility moves us forward. Through raw personal experiences, Eric reveals how reclaiming ownership of our choices empowers us to create a life of purpose, accountability, and resilience.

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  • When Your Inner Voice Won’t Quiet Down: Mental Fitness for Uncertain Times

    In a world full of unknowns, even the smallest uncertainties can trigger spiraling thoughts and emotional stress. This timely keynote unpacks five key principles—Predictability, Controllability, Relationships, Trust, and Purpose—to help audiences take control of their mental fitness and find calm in chaos.

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  • Suicide Prevention & Destructive Behavior

    Suicidal behavior is complex, often driven by deep pain, mental illness, and crisis moments. In this powerful keynote, Eric provides essential training on suicide prevention, informed by both his personal journey and professional expertise.

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“Eric Hipple’s story is one that is unfortunately too common. Hipple shows true courage in sharing his story and shows the way to break the stigma of mental illness.”

—Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union

Eric Hipple speaking at an event in a brick-walled venue with a "Thank You" sponsor board and audience seated in foreground.
Book cover of 'Real Men Do Cry' by Eric Hipple, featuring a football player in blue and white uniform on the cover.

Get Your Copy of Real Men Do Cry Today!

This page-turner is packed with practical resources for families living with depression and is a valuable tool for counselors and mental health professionals nationwide.