5 NFL players who successfully tackled drug addictions

#3 - Darren Waller

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller

Darren Waller struggled with drugs and alcohol while playing college football and was forced to attend outpatient rehabs. He admits he used to cheat on his drug tests to get by. His issues followed him to the NFL after being drafted by the Baltimore Ravens, as he was suspended twice in his first three years in the league for violating the substance abuse policy.

He opened up about his past on episode 3 of Hard Knocks in 2019:

“I was getting high, literally, every day. Whatever I could get my hands on.”

While being suspended for the entire 2017 season, Waller decided to check himself into inpatient rehab. It apparently worked for him, as he has remained sober from that point forward. He picked up a job at a grocery store before being reinstated to the NFL, where he was picked up by the Las Vegas Raiders. He is now one of the top tight ends in the league. During his career he has caught 163 passes for 1,988 yards and 7 receiving touchdowns.

#4 - Maxx Crosby

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby

Maxx Crosby claims to have struggled with alcohol addiction during his high school and college football careers. It eventually carried over into his NFL career, until he made a decision following the 2020 season that he wanted to get help.

He checked himself into rehab and transitioned to a sober house after that, while missing the entire 2021 offseason. He came back better than ever, elevating himself to one of the most destructive pass rushers in the league.

Crossby's career stats include 142 total tackles, 25 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recoveries and 12 pass deflections.

#5 - Randy Gregory

Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Randy Gregory

Randy Gregory tested positive for marijuana during the NFL Combine prior to being selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2015 NFL Draft. He would continue to struggle with substance abuse, being suspended four times in his first five years and missing a total of 54 games because of it.He told Fishsports:

"Addiction can happen to anybody. Young, old, man, woman, rich, poor. Anybody."

He appears to have cleaned up his act since then. He stayed out of trouble for the entire 2021 season despite being tested multiple times.Last season he recorded six sacks and three forced fumbles. Gregory signed a brand new contract with the Denver Broncos during the 2022 offseason.