Former NFL player Ryan Leaf talks recovery, resilience during Champaign “Friendraising” event

Old and new friends gathered in central Illinois for an evening with Rosecrance staff and leadership, listening to someone who understands victory and defeat.

The evening unfolded in a relaxed setting, allowing participants to engage in conversations while gaining deeper insights into Rosecrance’s mission and initiatives. The highlight of the evening came when Ryan Leaf, a former NFL quarterback whose life has been a journey of trials and triumphs, took the stage.

The former NFL player candidly acknowledged his mistakes and the challenges he faced with substance use and mental health, all under the watchful eye of the public. He reflected on how living in the spotlight affected his journey, ultimately motivating him to seek help and work toward recovery.

“I was forced to confront something or die,” Leaf said.

He also spoke about how it was the stigma that initially prevented him from seeking treatment.

“I didn’t seek treatment because of the stigma. Growing up in cowboy Montana and in locker rooms your whole life, you’ve never seen a male peer get treatment,” Leaf said.

Leaf has undergone a remarkable transformation in his outlook, shifting from a place of personal struggle to becoming a passionate advocate for individuals facing challenges related to mental health and substance use.

He now dedicates his efforts to raising awareness about the importance of mental well-being and promoting healthier perceptions of behavioral health. Through his advocacy, Leaf encourages audiences to rethink their attitudes and beliefs surrounding these issues, fostering a more compassionate understanding of the complexities involved in mental health and addiction.

His journey is an inspiring example of resilience and the possibility of positive change.

“It’s the greatest thing I’ll ever do—getting sober,” Leaf said. “I played pro football, which is the hardest thing to do in the world, you can imagine, and sobriety is the thing I am most proud of.”

His openness sparked deep discussions about resilience, vulnerability, and the essential role of community support in recovery, such as the work and support Rosecrance offers to communities.

“What you do at Rosecrance, with your support, offers people that opportunity of life,” Leaf said. “So, when I’m asked to be a part of something like this, I rush to the opportunity. It’s the best job in the world.”