In any game, the goal is to win. As they move around the field, players focus on outdoing their opponent and controlling the tempo of the game. However, more important than that is their willingness to never give up. To never give up on opportunities. To never give up on their teammates and never give up on themselves. It is a fight that is challenged day after day. US Army veteran Kinikia Burdine faces a similar fight of willpower, but in a different uniform.

Originally from Dallas, Texas, Burdine has dedicated his life to serving his country as a combat officer in the United States Army. However, as she fought to defend our country, she also struggled with mental health issues. A constant battle inside, Burdine’s condition worsened after returning from a tour of Iraq.

Keeping her resolve to never give up, she changed her life after attending the Dallas County Veterans Treatment Court, run by Judge Dominique Collins. Burdine now holds a Masters of Social Work from Texas A&M Commerce and is a licensed social worker who works in hospice care and provides mental health counseling to people struggling with depression and anxiety. She is also currently working on her doctorate in social work at the University of Southern California.

Most recently, Burdine was invited by the Dallas Cowboys to present the team’s No.12 pick in the 2021 Draft to emphasize the importance of mental health.