For years, NFL athletes have spoken quietly about the role cannabis played in their recovery, focus, and emotional well-being. Today, those stories are stepping into public view, driven by players who believe their experiences can reshape how fans and the league understand marijuana’s role in health, recovery, and long-term wellness.

One of the earliest and most influential voices has been Ricky Williams, whose complicated relationship with league drug policies became national headlines in the early 2000s. What was once portrayed as rebellion has since been reframed by Williams himself: cannabis, he has explained, helped him manage severe social anxiety and the physical punishment of his position. For fans, his honesty has transformed him from a cautionary tale to a pioneer—someone willing to speak openly when few others would risk it.

Former Detroit Lions star Calvin Johnson has also shared candid insights about his NFL experience. Known for his durability and elite athleticism, Johnson later revealed that cannabis played a key role in managing pain throughout his career. After retirement, he co-founded a cannabis company to promote plant-based healing, citing marijuana as a safer, more sustainable answer to the relentless injuries that accumulate across seasons. His advocacy has inspired many athletes who relate to the cycle of swelling, soreness, and sleepless nights that define pro football.

Super Bowl champion Rob Gronkowski represents another important chapter in this evolving narrative. Although not a user during his playing days, Gronkowski has credited CBD with helping him regain mobility and reduce inflammation after years of bone-jarring hits. His vocal support contributed to mainstream visibility, helping fans understand that cannabis-derived products were not about escapism but about reclaiming quality of life. Gronkowski’s public transformation—from constant pain to renewed athletic activity—became a relatable story for consumers dealing with chronic discomfort.

Then there is former tight end Martellus Bennett, whose frank commentary sparked widespread discussion when he suggested that a significant share of players had long relied on cannabis to manage pain. Bennett’s perspective underscored a reality fans rarely saw: opioids were common, available, and often pushed as quick solutions, while cannabis—safer for many and free of addictive risk—remained prohibited. His willingness to speak openly about that imbalance helped bring the conversation into the national spotlight.

Retired players such as Eugene Monroe, who became the first active NFL player to publicly call for medical cannabis research, represent the next generation of advocacy. Monroe has emphasized that his support comes from lived experience—walking away from football earlier than expected because traditional treatments no longer worked. His advocacy helped accelerate the push for updated policies and greater scientific understanding.

These stories collectively reveal a truth that resonates deeply with fans and consumers: cannabis has become more than a quiet habit or controversial talking point. For many players, it has been a path toward recovery, clarity, and control over their own bodies. As the league continues reassessing cannabis rules, these personal narratives may ultimately be the force that shifts policy from punishment toward compassion.

Learn More: Retired NFL Legends Are Quietly Building the Next Wave of Cannabis Brands