Fred Taylor urges men to seek help, cut back on drinking at UAMS Barbershop Talk in Little Rock

Former NFL running back Fred Taylor urged men in Little Rock on Saturday to prioritize mental and physical health, describing how therapy, breathing techniques and peer check-ins helped him manage stress and repeated injuries.

Taylor, introduced by Dr. Tiffany Haynes of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, described growing up in a small town where health was not emphasized and said professional medical support in the NFL taught him new routines for recovery. “We started doing breathing techniques,” Taylor said, adding that regular rest, nutrition and targeted practices helped him stay on the field.

Haynes framed the event as part of UAMS’ Barbershop Talk outreach, saying the program has visited 61 barbershops and spoken with close to 800 men across the state to open informal conversations about health. “You may not get them to come to the clinic,” Haynes said, “but they’re not missing that two‑week fade or lineup that they’re gonna get.”

Taylor also spoke about alcohol use and recovery, calling drinking both a coping mechanism and, in some cases, an addiction. He said he has not had a drink in 351 days and described tangible health benefits since cutting back, including weight loss and better sleep. “If you dial back, you have more clarity,” Taylor said. He encouraged men who are ‘‘straddling’’ a decision about drinking to try short abstinence periods and to use accountability tools such as apps or regular check‑ins with friends.

Audience members asked practical questions about maintaining healthy habits while traveling; Taylor advised packing workout clothes and doing short in‑room circuits or 20‑minute walks on a treadmill as realistic options. A fan also asked about his transition between teams; Taylor said he viewed moves between clubs as part of the business and used them as motivation to adapt and stay disciplined.

The program included a pre‑recorded montage of barbershop participants describing the trust men place in barbers and the value of informal conversations as an access point for health outreach. Darren McFadden, who appears via a short video message, apologized for missing the event because of a canceled flight.

Organizers closed by directing people seeking mental‑health services to UAMS AR Connect at the Opportunity Hall and to UAMS Barbershop Talk on Facebook and Instagram. They said the conversation is part of an ongoing outreach effort to bring health conversations into familiar community settings.