Former Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander and wife Kate Upton's relationship has been well documented through the years, beginning when they met while filming a commercial for a video game.
They started dating in 2014, though they tried to keep things private.
Recently, Verlander told Bleacher Report that when he was dealing with injuries and struggles, having Upton in his life might have saved it.
"Who knows if I'm even here if it wasn't for her?"
"She was instrumental in me not ... like, jumping off a bridge," he told Bleacher Report. "I was depressed and kind of just upset at the world and trying to hide my own ...
"She was what I needed."
Verlander's struggles and injuries began in 2013 and 2014, when he and Upton started dating. He detailed that while he was dealing with media and fan scrutiny, Upton was someone he could turn to.
"I don't like to talk to people about being hurt," Verlander said. "As athletes, you're not supposed to. It's an excuse. ... But she was someone I could talk to. I mean, basically a therapist. Somebody I could trust with ... worries about my career. Worries about, Can I make it? Worries about what I'm going through to get back. And just the overall (expletive) of it all."
The rest is history. Verlander bounced back, is now with the Houston Astros and is nearing his 200th career win. He and Upton got married after the Astros won the World Series last season.
The couple is expecting their first child. She announced the pregnancy in July.
