OT: Good Story on Ryan Leaf

Smashed into the rocks failed NFL career just the tip of the iceburg for his rock bottom which included failed suicide attempt. That he found value in helping others with their difficulties and addictions is a good turn for a life formerly in turmoil.

When his head was in the game, he was as good a QB as Michigan has ever faced.

tell his children and grandchildren that he was once intercepted by Charles Woodson in the Rose Bowl.

Glad to hear he's turned his life around.

He needs to spend some time with johnny football.

had a few beers with him, he was always a cool dude when I saw him around town. Sad story. Glad is is on the up and up.

At WSU, Leaf had a great frame, threw a nice ball with accuracy.  He did not get great coaching at the college level and was drafted on potential.  Unfortuantely, in the NFL he was a head case and did not take coaching well at all...he was probably very lazy...the result was a disaster on the field.  He had great potential though coming out of college.

over a decade ago. He had already been through some of the struggles mentioned in this article and had landed at a small midwestern school as its football coach. He seemed genuinely happy, but obviously such was not the case. 

I am not pointing fingers at any school because we've had people, no matter how much advise given them on how to handle life after football, still found the wrong path. However, I always admired this about Bo and Harbaugh has left no doubt since Day One that those who play for him will learn more than just football. Kareem - who personally I feel has a huge upside - is a perfect example. "Learn how to manage your school work and then you will be allowed the honor of playing football."  With so many people in and out of his dog house in the relatively short period of time he's been here, it's apparent this is very much a part of his coaching philosophy. I think it is going to pay dividends in the long run. 

But as to Ryan and Johnny; these are perfect examples of concentrating solely on the game, both lacking certain elements for success in the NFL and being let go at such a young age, their lack of interest in things outside football pretty much paved the way for a young man with lots of money on their hands and lacking interests in anything substantive. I thought, based on the piece mentioned above in regard to Ryan that he had found a comfortable landing spot in the small school. It is nice reading, even though he was to be face with more obstacles, he was able to overcome them and move forward. I hope Manziel sees the light in the near future as well.