We had the good fortune of connecting with Jonathan Niziol and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jonathan, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I am a native of Ontario Canada, born in April 1982 and spent my early years on a farm in the area of Peterborough which served as my playground. It was here where I developed my hockey prowess, proudly representing in competitions across Ontario. My love for lacrosse grew during my childhood, playing dedicatedly for the major series lacrosse and the esteemed Brooklin Lacrosse Club. Growing up on a farm instilled in me valuable lessons about hard work, discipline and freedom making it a fantastic environment to grow up in.

Following a serene upbringing on a Canadian farm, my life took a drastic turn when tragedy struck on my 21st birthday with the sudden loss of my mother. Initially, I was riding high on a promising career as a lacrosse player, having been drafted 31st overall by the Arizona Sting in the 2005 NLL Entry Draft. However, my path soon veered into a tumultuous period of alcohol addiction. By the age of 25, I found myself on the brink of death during a hospital stay, prompting a pivotal moment that pushed me to rebuild my physical and mental well-being while grappling with the profound loss of my mother.

Motivated by my mother’s influence as a role model, I ventured into modeling while battling my internal struggles. However, my relentless pursuit of perfection led to body dysmorphia and a severe eating disorder. Additionally, I faced a traumatic experience of sexual assault as an adult, coupled with the loss of friends and overwhelming battles with depression, anxiety, and eventual drug addiction as a means of coping. Seeking therapy in 2017 marked a turning point, liberating me from my addictions after a 15-year struggle.

Today, I stand as a flourishing international model, boasting representation in eight states and collaborations with renowned global brands like Men’s Health Editorial, Hugo Boss, and Jockey Underwear. Beyond modeling, I serve as a fitness inspiration, a savvy real estate investor, and wellness advocate. My primary aim centers on sharing my personal journey, arming individuals with tools and unwavering resilience to help them conquer their own challenges. Through my story, I strive to be a guiding light, showcasing resilience and incredible transformation despite facing seemingly insurmountable odds.

My overarching objective is to eliminate the stigma surrounding men’s mental health. Society often pressures men to embody toughness and unwavering resilience, creating a barrier to openly discussing our mental well-being. I’m actively challenging these stereotypes, creating a safe space where emotions can be freely expressed, struggles acknowledged, and support sought. My dedication lies in fostering a culture that esteems vulnerability and places a high priority on mental wellness.

Acknowledging the societal expectations that dictate traditional masculinity, I’m dedicated to redefining this concept. My goal is to illustrate that seeking help represents genuine strength, actively dismantling obstacles that hinder us from addressing mental health issues. By confronting stereotypes and building robust support systems, I’m resolute in sparking a positive change in attitudes toward men’s mental well-being, empowering each of us to lead more wholesome, gratifying lives.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My professional journey began with a promising career in lacrosse, marked by my 31st overall pick in the 2005 NLL Entry Draft by the Arizona Sting. Today, I celebrate a triumphant 15-year tenure as an international model, collaborating with renowned brands like Men’s Health Editorial, Hugo Boss, and Jockey Underwear. Alongside modeling, I’ve expanded into a fitness role model and real estate investor. My core focus revolves around the belief that sharing my story can be a guiding light for those facing similar trials. The resilience I’ve cultivated drives me to empower others in their quest for recovery and mental well-being.

My mission centers on dismantling the stigma surrounding men’s mental health. Men are often expected to epitomize toughness, making open discussions about mental well-being challenging. I actively challenge these societal norms, fostering a safe space where emotions can flow freely, struggles are acknowledged, and support is readily available. My dedication stems from fostering a culture that values vulnerability and emphasizes mental wellness. This advocacy is deeply rooted in my personal journey marked by profound losses and struggles—15 years entangled in alcoholism, drug abuse, exercise addiction, severe anxiety, panic disorder, and clinical depression triggered by the sudden loss of a parent, the passing of close friends, and a traumatic incident of sexual assault during a modeling casting as an adult.

My childhood on a serene farm east of Toronto laid the groundwork for a carefree environment, instilling values of work ethic, sustainability, and harmony by hardworking parents. Shielded from social media pressures, I cherished a childhood free from its constraints.

Returning home from college at 20, I faced an overwhelming blow—my mother’s sudden passing on the brink of my 21st birthday. This loss thrust me into a whirlwind of anxiety, depression, and alcohol abuse, marked by panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, and a desperate reliance on alcohol for solace.

A pivotal moment arrived with an acute pancreatitis diagnosis—a near-fatal experience leading to a month-long hospital stay, five blood transfusions, a loss of 60lbs, and teetering on the edge of death—confronting the gravity of my alcohol addiction.

A year after leaving the hospital and inspired by my mother’s legacy, I signed with my first modeling agency, Sutherland Models, a partnership that continues 15 years later. International travels and contracts in various markets expanded my modeling career extensively.

However, the path to recovery was fraught with challenges. My burgeoning interest in fitness turned into an unhealthy fixation. A traumatic sexual assault in Miami during a casting further exacerbated my struggles, leading to an eight-year battle with an eating disorder and functional bulimia. Coping mechanisms evolved into habitual marijuana use, compounded by the loss of two close friends.

Life in Toronto was defined by isolation, excessive marijuana consumption, and substance abuse, including a dangerous mix of medications.

At a breaking point, I sought professional help and embarked on a demanding therapeutic journey at 35. Through therapy, I acquired tools to navigate life without relying on addictive patterns. My journey of self-exploration, forgiveness, and acceptance transformed me into a symbol of hope.

Now, 16 years sober and seven years free from drug relapse, I use my social media platform to share my story, aiming to inspire strength in others. My mission is to destigmatize mental health struggles, addiction, eating disorders, and sexual assaults, standing tall and offering support to those battling in solitude.

My greatest strength lies in bridging aspirations with concrete actions. Acknowledging the fleeting nature of time and inspired by my father’s advice—”There’s never a perfect time, so just get started”—I adopted a proactive approach. Overcoming hesitation, I committed to translating my visions into reality. This newfound clarity propelled me with resolute steps toward realizing my dreams, fueled by unwavering effort.

I take immense pride in my journey of resilience and transformation following years of trauma and addiction. Emerging stronger on the other side, I celebrate the fortitude that guided me through the darkest phases. The lessons learned, wounds healed, and personal growth achieved exemplify my perseverance and unwavering belief in overcoming adversity. I stand tall, proud of the person I’ve become, recognizing that my journey isn’t just about survival but a testament to the human spirit’s ability for healing and renewal.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
To immerse them in Fort Worth’s rich Western heritage, I’d start by visiting the Stockyards. This historic site was among my first stops when I relocated to Fort Worth. From its original brick walkways to the wooden corrals, every corner echoes the authentic history of Texas’s renowned livestock industry.

For an unmistakably Texan experience, a trip to Hard 8 BBQ is a must. This restaurant is a quintessential Texan gem, serving up delicious Texas-style barbecue that truly captures the essence of the region.

Moreover, there’s another beloved Texan favorite: Buc-ee’s. Texans hold immense pride in their state, and Buc-ee’s epitomizes the saying, “everything’s bigger in Texas.” This isn’t your ordinary gas station stop; it transforms a necessity into an adventure. If Florida has Disney World, then Texas boasts Buc-ee’s.

Thinking a bit beyond the usual, as a former professional lacrosse player and enthusiast, many Dallas locals are unaware that Fort Worth hosts an indoor professional lacrosse team. It’s an exhilarating experience for the entire family and a testament to the Texan passion for sports. If more widely promoted, I’m confident it could draw the same fervor and attendance as other popular sports in the area. Check out Panther City Lacrosse online for their schedule; they usually play a couple of home games per month.

Link to Panthers – https://www.panthercitylax.com
Hard 8 BBQ – https://hardeightbbq.com
Stockyards – https://www.fortworthstockyards.org

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
One of my favourite books is “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie. It serves as a guide on how to be a good person, emphasising simple yet impactful principles like thinking of others and not just yourself. I believe society would greatly benefit if everyone took the time to read this book and incorporate its messages and practices into their lives.

Website: https://www.jonathanniziolofficial.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanniziol/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-niziol-62460698/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094469487456

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd78GKaSm71__LwE-2OKZew

Other: TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanniziol
Komi – https://jonathanniziol.komi
Modeling inquiries: www.thecampbellagency.com

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.