Last week, Penn State kicker and cult icon Joey Julius made a very personal announcement on his Facebook page shedding light on the reason he was absent from the program through the spring and summer. He shared that he’s been struggling with an eating disorder, and he further elaborated on his fight on a Good Morning America segment that aired this morning.

WATCH: @joey_julius, @PennStateFball kicker and viral sensation opens up about his struggle with an eating disorder: https://t.co/tNSr1Axhdl pic.twitter.com/ldcgUNV0nT

— Good Morning America (@GMA) October 14, 2016

“I was always calling myself fat, disgusting, lazy, ugly,” Julius said during the interview. “My name is Joey Julius and I have an eating disorder.” Julius says he feels blessed to be at the point he’s at now, because if he didn’t receive treatment, he might not be here today.

The kicker’s been going viral seemingly on a weekly basis after becoming a force to be reckoned with on kickoff coverage. In turn, he’s also become subject to late hits and targeting by opposing players — behavior coaches are trying to stop, but something James Franklin feels may continue.

Julius’ courage to share with the community his struggles is commendable and might help to encourage others to seek help and open up.