Alabama offensive lineman Wilkin Formby has opened up about the disturbing online harassment he faced following a difficult performance earlier this season. The young athlete revealed that he received a barrage of hateful messages, including death threats, after a game against South Florida in which he was penalized multiple times.
In Alabama football’s Fox Nation documentary series, Formby detailed the emotional toll of the cyberbullying he endured. “I went on social media,†Formby recalled, “and the first thing that popped up was ‘Kill Wilkin Formby.’ It’s a lot of hate that they’re spreading.â€
The online attacks didn’t just affect Formby himself—his family also felt the impact. His younger sister was even approached at school with questions about the negative comments directed at her brother. For Formby, this added an extra layer of concern beyond just his own struggles.
A Growing Issue in College Sports
Formby’s experience is not an isolated incident. Many college athletes face intense scrutiny from fans, particularly in the age of social media. Offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor, Formby’s teammate, shared his own struggles with negative comments and acknowledged the mental toll that such criticism can take.
“I don’t know how y’all can say this stuff,†Proctor said. “They don’t understand that we might laugh about it right now, but when we’re by ourselves, that really takes a toll.â€
This situation sheds light on the growing issue of online abuse targeting young athletes. While passionate fan bases are an essential part of college football, the line is often crossed when players become victims of personal attacks.
Addressing the Issue
Formby’s story has sparked a larger conversation about the need for better mental health support and awareness for student-athletes. Schools and athletic programs have begun implementing resources to help players deal with the pressure, but the reality is that social media harassment remains a serious issue.
Athletes, coaches, and sports organizations have increasingly advocated for more accountability when it comes to online behavior. While criticism is expected in competitive sports, targeting players with personal threats and harassment is unacceptable.
As Alabama’s season continues, Formby and his teammates remain focused on the game, but his story serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges modern athletes face beyond the field.
