Former NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf recently opened up about the impact Matthew Perry, renowned actor and star of the hit TV show “Friends,” had on his journey to sobriety. In a heartfelt tribute, Leaf credited Perry for playing a pivotal role in his recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.
Key Takeaway
Ryan Leaf expresses his gratitude towards Matthew Perry for the invaluable support he provided, emphasizing that Perry’s willingness to share his own story helped Leaf understand the possibility of maintaining sobriety while being in the public eye.
Leaf, who has successfully battled addiction for nearly 12 years, shared his emotional story on his podcast, “Straight Line,” produced in collaboration with PointsBet. This discussion took place just days after the tragic news of Perry’s passing at the age of 54 was revealed.
In his tribute, Leaf expressed deep appreciation for Perry, describing him as “instrumental” in his recovery. Leaf recounted how Perry immediately offered his support upon Leaf’s release from prison, providing guidance and acting as a pillar of strength during his early stages of sobriety.
“I got out of prison and when I got to Los Angeles, Matt put his arm around me immediately,” Leaf revealed. “And he carried me for like, the first six months probably in Los Angeles, trying to learn how to be a sober person really in a public platform.”
Leaf went on to credit Perry with shaping his new life, expressing uncertainty about his own well-being without Perry’s guidance and inspirational story. Despite Perry’s personal struggles with addiction and mental health, he remained a steadfast supporter of Leaf’s sobriety journey.
Reflecting on this tragedy, Leaf emphasized that Perry’s impact extended beyond his fame as a TV star. To Leaf, Perry was a compassionate individual who dedicated himself to helping others, a legacy that will endure.
“There’s a lot of people that I owe for the life I now have, get to live … and he’s certainly at the top of that,” Leaf acknowledged gratefully. “Matt, we’ll miss you. I’ll miss you. I hope you are finally at peace because I just don’t know if you ever truly were.”
Ryan Leaf’s poignant tribute serves as a reminder of the profound impact one person’s kindness and support can have on the recovery process, particularly for individuals navigating sobriety in the public eye. His story stands as a testament to the power of human connection and the importance of outreach and compassion in overcoming personal struggles.
