Meridian Health Services 2019 Speaker Series
featuring Ryan Leaf

Ryan Leaf

Ryan Leaf is a former NFL QB whose career was full of expectations he didn’t live up to. That failure accompanied with his inability to live life on life’s terms found him in a prison cell both literally and emotionally. Such adversity coupled with the guidance of an unexpected ally, Ryan has become a symbol of peace and inspiration for those who struggle with substance abuse and mental illness. Ryan currently is the Program Ambassador for Transcend Recovery Community as well as a College Football and NFL Analyst for ESPN & SiriusXM.

Muncie 2019 Speaker Series

Ryan Leaf—The Struggle with Addiction and Mental Illness

Former NFL player Ryan Leaf shared his poignant and brutally honest personal story to a full-capacity audience at the Ball State Alumni Center on November 14, 2019 as part of Meridian’s Community Health Speaker Series. Leaf, selected as the second overall pick in the 1998 NFL draft after Peyton Manning, had a career full of expectations he didn’t live up to. That failure, coupled with his inability to live life on life’s terms, led to drug addiction and landed him in a prison cell—both physically and emotionally.

Leaf has since become a symbol of peace and inspiration for those who struggle with substance use and mental illness.

Following Leaf’s presentation, a discussion panel comprised of community leaders and officials followed and engaged the audience discussing issues related to substance use, recovery, and ideas for local solutions.

Thank you to our Moderator and Panelists for participating in this event:

Moderator

Panelists

Thank you to our generous sponsors:

Photos

Video