Sports Stars Who Speak About Overcoming Addiction

Many athletes have reached the pinnacle of their sport, but several have also experienced pitfalls along the way. These sports stars have had to overcome addiction issues to reach their dreams. Athletes who speak about overcoming addiction have an inspirational message that can help others. It is their goal to be sympathetic while encouraging people to avoid their mistakes.

Darryl Strawberry

Retired Eight-Time All-Star Outfielder for the New York Mets

During his career Darryl Strawberry was one of the most feared hitters in Major League Baseball. While playing for the New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants and New York Yankees fr

Dwight Gooden

Retired Pitcher for the New York Mets

Dwight Gooden is a retired MLB pitcher who spent 17 seasons in the league with five different teams. Gooden got his start in 1982 after being drafted in the first round by the New York Mets, making hi

Ryan Leaf

Former 2nd Overall Pick in the 1998 NFL Draft

Ryan Leaf is best known as the former second overall pick of the San Diego Chargers in the 1998 NFL Draft. He played college football at Washington State, where he was named a Heisman Trophy finalist

Todd Marinovich

Former NFL Quarterback

Todd Marinovich starred at the University of Southern California during his college days and was the prototypical quarterback prospect heading into the 1991 NFL Draft. Known for his work ethic and int

Theo Fleury

Former NHL All-Star, Olympic Gold Medalist and Speaker on Trauma and Abuse

Theo Fleury is a former NHL hockey player, playing for four teams over his 14 year career. Originally told he was too small to play professional hockey, Fleury would go on to have an astounding career

Vance Johnson

Former NFL Wide Receiver and Addiction Awareness Advocate

Vance Johnson had an 11-year NFL career and spent ten seasons with the Denver Broncos. Johnson played college football at the University of Arizona and was a track standout. He won the NCAA championsh

Rex Chapman

Former NBA Player, Social Media Sensation and Addiction Awareness Advocate

Rex Chapman had a 12-year career in the NBA. Chapman was a two-time All-SEC performer and 1,000 point scorer in two seasons at the University of Kentucky. He was then selected with the eighth overall

Andre Agassi

Eight-Time Grand Slam Tennis Champion

As a tennis player in the 1990s, Andre Agassi was an American icon Agassi is an eight-time Grand Slam champion, seven time runner-up, and three-time Davis Cup champion. He is one of seven male tennis

Aldon Smith

Former NFL Defensive End

During Aldon Smith's first go-around in the NFL, he was one of the best pass rushers in the league. The former San Francisco 49ers star was the NFC Defensive Player of the Year while earning Pro Bowl

Maurice Clarett

Former Ohio State Star Turned Motivational Speaker

Maurice Clarett is a former star running back who is now committed to helping others as a motivational speaker. Clarett attended Warren G. Harding High School where he received national attention. Aft

Lauren Sisler

Emmy Award-Winning ESPN & SEC Sportscaster, Addiction Prevention Advocate

Lauren Sisler is a two-time Emmy award-winning sports broadcaster who joined ESPN and SEC Network in 2016 as a sideline reporter for both college football and gymnastics. As a sportscaster and for

Leigh Steinberg

Famed Sports Agent Credited as the Inspiration for Jerry Maguire

Leigh Steinberg is one of the most successful sports agents of all-time. Steinberg has been in the business for over four decades and represented over 300 athletes in a variety of sports. He has had t