Retired NFL Legend, Four-Time Super Bowl Champion & Cannabis Advocate, Rob Gronkowski is using his platform to talk about the profound effects Cannabis has had on his life.
“I’ve had nine record-breaking seasons and nine separate surgeries… Now for the first time in more than a decade, I’m pain-free and that’s a big deal…” adding “These products changed my life. I wish I had been able to use CBD while I was playing. It would have made a huge difference in my pain management during my career and I know it can help many others who are looking for safe, pill-free solutions to managing pain”
-R Gronkowski
In recent years, professional football players have come to the forefront to advocate for cannabis and apply pressure to change outdated policies. Cannabis can help athletes with healing, inflammation, anxiety, speed up recovery and get better sleep. In a sport where career security hinges on health, professional NFL athletes were forced to take extreme measures, relying on opioids and pain medications to cope with injuries as well as stay game-ready. In 2021, the National Football League loosened their stance on cannabis consumption during the off-season providing for infused off-seasons. The new guidelines allow players to consume Delta 9 THC-Carboxylic Acid during the offseason from April 20 to Aug 09.
Continuing the charge forward, in June 2021, the NFL made headlines by pledging 1 Million dollars to cannabis research and on Feb the 1st, 2022, the NFL officially announced the recipients. Out of 106 proposals submitted, two teams from the University of San Diego and the University of Regina in Canada were selected by the NFL and the NFL Players Association’s Joint Pain Management Committee to investigate the effects of cannabinoids on pain management and neuroprotection from concussion in elite football players.
“We’re always interested in trying to improve our approach and our treatment for acute and chronic pain in NFL players, and we always want to make sure that our players are receiving the most up-to-date medical consensus around any of these treatments.”
-NFL Chief Medical Officer, Dr Allen Sills
Over the National Football League’s season, the NFL made approximately $9.8 billion in revenue with 32 teams receiving a record-breaking $309 million each. Despite making strides, the one question that lingers for the Sports Cannabis community is whether more can be done.
Retired NFL Athletes Investing and Advocating for Cannabis
Ricky Williams
Ricky Williams ultimately discovered the healing properties of Cannabis after retiring, partnering in the plant to help manage pain, injuries and the stresses of being an elite professional athlete. Eager to learn more, Ricky Williams travelled to the Himalayas in pursuit of a deeper understanding of the plant and its healing properties.
After years of research and development, Ricky has released Highsman a sports and lifestyle brand that mirrors his ethos. With an opportunity to create change and affect a larger community, they’ve focused on providing premium quality cannabis, accessories and infused yoga moments.
Calvin Johnson Jr. & Rob Sims
From the field to the boardroom, Calvin and Rob have co-founded Primitiv Group, a vertically integrated cannabis company that operates in Michigan, where it is licensed for cultivation, processing and retail sales.
Focused on shifting the narrative and breaking the stigma, Johnson Jr. and Sims have created a meaningful brand dedicated to the advancement of cannabis as a form of elevated wellness and in recent years partnered with Harvard University to support medical cannabis research.
Marvin Washington
Retired NFL Icon, Super Bowl Champion and entrepreneur, Marvin Washington is pushing the conversation forward, using his platform to advocate for cannabis and athletes around the globe.
Washington continues to make an impact on and off the field, shifting the cannabis conversation as well as creating a host of educational initiatives for athletes of any background.
Mike James
Retired NFL legend, Mike James is making a play for health, wellness and Lion Order. James made a name for himself on the field dominating as a running back with the Miami Hurricanes before taking his talents to the NFL playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as well as the Detroit Lions.
After sustaining an injury Mike James partnered in Cannabis for medical reasons and became the first NFL athlete to apply for therapeutic use exemption.
Since retiring Mike James has focused on developing policy and furthering cannabis education. James joined the NFL steering committee to help foster the cannabis conversation as well as make real tangible gains for players’ mental health and well-being.
Nico Marley
Retired Professional Football Athlete, Cannabis Advocate and Son of Rohan Marley, Nico Marley is taking health and wellness to new heights.
Since retiring from professional football, Nico shifted gears and created Lion X Wellness, a brand inspired by his family legacy focused on nutrition and premium CBD-based products.
Bo Scaife
Retired NFL Tight End, Bo Scaife is changing the Route and making a play for cannabis. In 2022, Scaife launched All Pro Farms a brand focused on helping athletes and professionals take control of their mental health and improve their quality of life through premium cannabis solutions. With an opportunity to change the dialogue, Bo is using his platform to talk about the pivotal role cannabis has played in his life and push for an even playing field for NFL athletes.
Marshawn Lynch
Retired NFL Legend, Advocate and Entrepreneur, Marshawn Lynch is keeping it Blunt about Cannabis with his latest business venture Dodi Blunts. Marshawn has been unshy with his opinion, joining a handful of athletes investing in cannabis to bring premium formulated products to the forefront. Today Marshawn Lynch has focused his attention on Dodi Blunts and helping communities of colour.
Eugene Monroe
In 2016, Eugene Monroe was the first active NFL player to openly advocate for medical cannabis, speaking about the profound effects it’s had on his life as well as promoting education and pushing for normalization.
Since retiring Eugene Monroe has led the charge off the field, and early on received approvals for cultivating and manufacturing in New Jersey’s Cannabis adult-use market. Focused on moving the cannabis industry forward Monroe co-founded Green Thumb Industries, a publicly-traded company that is dedicated to bringing safe, quality cannabis products to retail locations nationwide.
Adam “Pacman” Jones
Retired NFL Legend, Cannabis Advocate and Entrepreneur Adam Jones is shifting the conversation and making a play for mental health and wellness.
Changing the Sports Cannabis narrative as a thought leader, advocate and entrepreneur, Adam launched PAC24 a CBD lifestyle brand and personally selected his favourite strains to share with the world.
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