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"22 today": Foran's emotional tribute to late stepson
SEN • October 2nd, 2025 10:41 am
Retiring Gold Coast star Kieran Foran delivered a beautiful speech, paying tribute to his late stepson Logan after being awarded the Ken Stephen Medal at the 2025 Dally Ms.
Foran, who has overcome significant mental health demons of his own, has become an ambassador for the well-being of young men in recent years and established Logan's Legacy in 2023.
The organisation was set up in memory of his stepson who tragically took his own life in 2023.
Encouraging everyone to have “raw and real conversations”, Foran gave a stirring acceptance speech.
“I’d like to particularly recognise my wife Karina. Logan’s birthday, he would have been 22 today,” he said.
“Your love, strength and belief to keep going in tough times has been and will continue to be my shining life.
“Due to the challenges we’ve faced as a family, an area very close to my heart is mental health.
“I know I’m in a privileged position to have a voice and I found that being open about my own journey, not just the successes but in particular the struggles has helped others to realise they are not alone.
“As important as it’s been to share my own story, listening to the stories of others has been incredibly empowering and uplifting.
“I know the courage it takes first-hand to reach out and say I’m not OK and it’s those deep, raw and real conversations that remind me why connection truly counts.
“If being vulnerable about my journey has helped just one person to make a choice, to keep moving forward and to keep throwing themselves into the uncomfortable than my struggles have not been in vain.
"So I am honoured to receive the Ken Stephen Medal this evening. This game has given me so much and it is a privilege to give back whatever I can."
In July of this year, Foran announced his retirement from NRL after an incredible 17 seasons.
In an interview with SEN 1170, he said overcoming his addiction and mental health demons was the proudest moment of his career.
Since turning his life around, Foran has not shied away from the darkness he has endured.
“The thing I’m most proud of is overcoming the fact that there was a stage of my life that I lost my way,” Foran told SEN's The Run Home. “I wasn’t the best human being, I was making poor decisions.
“I was battling addictions issues.
“To think I am able to stand here now and hold my head up high and be proud of the man and father and teammate I am, that’s the thing for me that makes me emotional.”
If you are struggling reach out:
- Call Lifeline on 13 11 14
- Call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636
- Call the suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
- Call Mindspot on 1800 61 44 34
- Call MensLine Australia on 1300 78 99 78
