Former NFL QB Celebrates Notable Off-The-Field Journey

(Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)

Ryan Leaf’s NFL journey started like many prospects who enter the league.

He went to college, and after lighting it up at Washington State, the San Diego Chargers drafted him No. 2 overall.

Despite being highly touted, however, Leaf wasn’t in the league long due to some off-field issues and injuries.

After starting a few ventures post-NFL, Leaf found himself in the midst of a severe drug problem, one that ended up landing him in jail.

He wrote about this in a recent Twitter post, understanding where he was 12 years ago while also celebrating his sobriety of 12 years.

12 years ago today I woke up on the floor of a jail cell…with no hope or possible idea what could be! There was no possibility of this life, no love of my life, no career, no future, no family, no recovery. You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you… pic.twitter.com/LKlQrmJ2TG

— Ryan D Leaf (@RyanDLeaf) April 1, 2024

Leaf and his family have worked tirelessly to help and support those who were in a similar situation to him.

He saw what kind of life he was living while under the influence of these drugs and hoped that his story could help others get out of their patterns of use and abuse.

While Leaf’s situation was incredibly difficult, even to the point of him wanting to end his life, he has come out on top, only looking back at his struggles earlier in life.

This might be Leaf’s primary prerogative, but he is still connected to the NFL.

He was hired by ESPN in 2019 to assist with some college football programming and has also been a sideline reporter for NFL games.

Leaf might not have panned out as a player, but he has been well-received as a member of the media, especially due to his efforts with people trying to get help for their addictions.

The post Former NFL QB Celebrates Notable Off-The-Field Journey appeared first on The Cold Wire.