A football player at the University of California, Los Angeles is retiring from the game after having attempted suicide earlier this year. 

Thomas Cole, a redshirt freshman offensive lineman, announced his decision to leave the team in an emotional Twitter post on Saturday.

The collegiate athlete shared how he tried to take his own life earlier this year and after months of treatment has come to the 'conclusion that football is not conducive for my mental health.'

Cole said he is 'forever thankful' for the relationships he made on the team and will always 'miss competing and the game of football.'

The four-star recruit's decision to retire comes just over a month after a defensive back left the UCLA team, citing mental health issues.

Cole did not play during the 2021 season and did not participate in spring practice after having attempted suicide earlier this year, he revealed. 

He shared how his mental health struggle and experience in treatment led him to announce his retirement and how he now has a 'much brighter outlook' on life.

'I haven't been present at the Wasserman facility for the past six months. This is because at the start of 2022 I made an attempt to take my own life,' Cole wrote. 

'At first I was regretful that I survived my attempt, but thankfully due to the people at the UCLA hospital, Paradigm residential treatment, and my therapist Meg, I have come to a much brighter outlook for my own future.

He continued: 'After many months of thorough consideration I have come to the conclusion that football is not conducive for my mental health, and there is more to my life than the game of football.' 

Cole reiterated how his struggles did 'not negate' the impact his coaches and teammates left on his life.

He thanked his fellow offensive linemen - Benjamin Roy, Garrett DiGiorgio, Noah Puleali, and Taka Mahe - for supporting him and bringing 'so much joy and laughter in a time of immense personal suffering.' 

'For these friendships I am forever thankful. I will miss competing and the game of football. But I will mostly miss the people it has brought into my life,' he said.

Cole, a California native, concluded his statement by vowing to continue supporting the Bruins. He also thanked UCLA faculty and staff for helping him during his time at the university.

'I will forever cheer on the Bruins and wish the football program nothing but success,' he wrote. 'Everyone I interacted with at UCLA, from coaches to teachers, tutors and more thank you so much! You all have had a great impact in my life.'

He then issued a message of hope to others who may be struggling with mental health issues: 'For all of those who may be struggling, you are not alone and you are loved. It is ok to ask for help.'

'Thank you to my family for being so loving during this process of learning to live again,' he finished.

Cole committed to UCLA after receiving 21 offers from university football programs, reported. Michigan, Virginia and Northwestern had shown major interest in him.

He was a selected to be a member of the Bruins' offensive line, despite having been a dynamic playmaker on the defensive line at San Luis Obispo High School.

While in high school he piled up 99 tackles, 31 tackles for loss and 17 sacks in 2019. He was selected to the All-Pac-4 first team in 2019 and named to Cal-Hi Sports All-State first team in 2019. 

Cole was a member of the San Luis Obispo Class of 2021, but according to his UCLA bio he enrolled at the university in January 2021 and took place in spring practice.

He did not see any game action during his first season with the Bruins.  

Cole's departure from the team comes just weeks after defensive back Martell Irby stepped away from the team due to mental health issues.

Irby, who played four seasons with the Bruins, announced his retirement last month in a song he wrote called This is Goodbye.

'It was one hell of a ride, but everything must come to an end,' he captioned his YouTube video. 'I will forever be thankful for football, it's just time for me to start the next chapter in my life...'

Irby had gotten into a car accident earlier this year, right around the time spring training was getting underway.

He battle on-field struggles while also dealing with his emotional health, reported, citing an instance where he ventured around Los Angeles without a destination or any means of communication - worrying his teammates and loved ones.

He then took a trip home to be with family and determined he needed to be with those closest to him during this difficult time.

Shortly after his visit with family, Irby announced his retirement. He did reveal he plans to continue working on his music career and YouTube channel. 

If you or a loved one are experiencing suicidal thoughts, you can call or text the National Suicide Hotline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255.