The former NFL QB, 10 years post-prison, is intent on helping retirees escape their living nightmare. Episode 2 of "How the NFL Works" is live. Here's the written transcript. (He doesn't hold back.)
5,years sober and this is the stuff that keeps me that way, that and trying to do the same kind of work in my sphere of the world. This is a real inspiration to read! Learned so much wisdom from Ryan. Thank you!
I gladly pay to read Justin Rogers insight about the Detroit Lions. Of the NFL. I’ve been a lifelong fan of that team and, also the League and Football. I get emails promoting Tyler Dunne and Go Long, wanting me to pay to also read what’s written there about that same NFL. And then you write a hatchet-job on the NFL interview with a colossal bust in the NFL - and life in general - where Mr. Dunne prods him with questions about the rotten SOB’s on Park Avenue.
The NFL is a BUSINESS. Players have recognized that and made fortunes off of that since long before Ryan Leaf went off the rails. Businesses are not in business to wipe asses and fix personal problems for every employee that ever collected a paycheck. Anymore than Record Companies or Motion Picture Studios or Auto Manufacturers can keep their employees happy and healthy until they pass on.
Write about those industries and see how long YOU’RE in business. Their “fan base” isn’t paying to read blogs.
Hello, John. A pleasure to welcome you here at Go Long.
This is a lot to unpack, so I'll try to keep it (relatively) pithy.
I love football. You love football. We've all celebrated football here since I launched the site in November 2020. It's the greatest game on earth and, as subscribers know, we've even ballyhooed the inherent violence of the game to the high heavens.
Still, it's wildly irresponsible to flatly *ignore* the flaws of something you love. If you're expecting a site that wil; lick the owners' boots, I regret to inform you, I am not a shill. Rather, we pride ourselves on thinking independently.
Rest assured, there's a ton of Lions content available in the archives. Our last two Friday Features -- on the Lions' Ass-Kicking Origins and David Montgomery -- are Detroit-centric.
If you're curious about the NFL, we'll be here.
You don't have to agree with Ryan Leaf or anyone interviewed -- that's fine. I love the open dialogue and debate. That sort of stuff is missing in the public discourse, in general. In that vein, I found it quite noteworthy that a player who tried to commit suicide... who spent three years in prison.... who tarnished his own reputation in every conceivable way... who hit freakin' ROCK bottom managed to claw his way to the other side, raise a family, return to those same prisons to help others and -- most of all -- is willing to help other NFL retirees with suicidal thoughts. Retirees who believe the NFL is not listening to them.
That light house analogy will stick with me for a long time. Thanks for letting Ryan share his story and hard earned wisdom.
Agreed, Clint. Ryan packs a ton of insight into each message. Thank you!
5,years sober and this is the stuff that keeps me that way, that and trying to do the same kind of work in my sphere of the world. This is a real inspiration to read! Learned so much wisdom from Ryan. Thank you!
Love to hear it, JP. CONGRATS to you! That's phenomenal news.
This was great!
Appreciate it, Alex!!
I thought this was sour grapes crap.
Lemme get this straight…
I gladly pay to read Justin Rogers insight about the Detroit Lions. Of the NFL. I’ve been a lifelong fan of that team and, also the League and Football. I get emails promoting Tyler Dunne and Go Long, wanting me to pay to also read what’s written there about that same NFL. And then you write a hatchet-job on the NFL interview with a colossal bust in the NFL - and life in general - where Mr. Dunne prods him with questions about the rotten SOB’s on Park Avenue.
The NFL is a BUSINESS. Players have recognized that and made fortunes off of that since long before Ryan Leaf went off the rails. Businesses are not in business to wipe asses and fix personal problems for every employee that ever collected a paycheck. Anymore than Record Companies or Motion Picture Studios or Auto Manufacturers can keep their employees happy and healthy until they pass on.
Write about those industries and see how long YOU’RE in business. Their “fan base” isn’t paying to read blogs.
Hello, John. A pleasure to welcome you here at Go Long.
This is a lot to unpack, so I'll try to keep it (relatively) pithy.
I love football. You love football. We've all celebrated football here since I launched the site in November 2020. It's the greatest game on earth and, as subscribers know, we've even ballyhooed the inherent violence of the game to the high heavens.
Still, it's wildly irresponsible to flatly *ignore* the flaws of something you love. If you're expecting a site that wil; lick the owners' boots, I regret to inform you, I am not a shill. Rather, we pride ourselves on thinking independently.
Rest assured, there's a ton of Lions content available in the archives. Our last two Friday Features -- on the Lions' Ass-Kicking Origins and David Montgomery -- are Detroit-centric.
If you're curious about the NFL, we'll be here.
You don't have to agree with Ryan Leaf or anyone interviewed -- that's fine. I love the open dialogue and debate. That sort of stuff is missing in the public discourse, in general. In that vein, I found it quite noteworthy that a player who tried to commit suicide... who spent three years in prison.... who tarnished his own reputation in every conceivable way... who hit freakin' ROCK bottom managed to claw his way to the other side, raise a family, return to those same prisons to help others and -- most of all -- is willing to help other NFL retirees with suicidal thoughts. Retirees who believe the NFL is not listening to them.
Hope you enjoy the games this weekend.