Ealy said the breakdown and depression stemmed from the deaths of his father (Willie Ealy) and sister (LaToya Brown) in close proximity. Both died from respiratory diseases.

“It just mentally knocked me off my game,’’ Ealy said. “I’m not talking just football. It knocked me off my life.’’

There was even more to it than just the two deaths. Ealy had recently become a father (daughter Royal).

He also had made a deep pledge to his father.

Ealy has another sister, Sierra Jones. She was born with a chromosome disorder that left her mentally and physically challenged. Ealy had promised his father long ago that he would care for Sierra after his father’s death.

“I just had so much on my plate,’’ Ealy said. “I didn’t handle it well. I just collapsed instead of stepping up.’’

The depression went on for more than a year. Ealy’s girlfriend, Asia Walker, held the family together. She took care of Sierra and Royal. She also took care of Ealy, who said he was incapable of caring for himself.

“I was afraid I would be like that forever,’’ Ealy said. “I was afraid I’d never snap out of it and I was sure I’d never be able to play football again.’’