The NFL is dominating headlines across the world as Super Bowl LVIII approaches. Over the past decade, active and retired athletes have stepped up to the line of scrimmage to advocate for cannabis, invest and create unique companies within the industry.
In a sport where career security hinges on health, NFL athletes have been forced to take extreme measures relying on opioids and pain medications to cope with injuries as well as to stay in game ready. Feeling the pressure the NFL loosened testing provisions with guidelines that allow players to consume Delta 9 THC-Carboxylic Acid during the offseason from April 20th to Aug 09th.
Inching towards the end zone, in 2022 the NFL pledged 1 Million dollars to cannabis research. 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.
Today, active and retired NFL athletes are leading the charge off the field and changing the Sports Cannabis narrative.
NLF Athletes Advocating and Investing in 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.
Rob Gronkowski
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
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.
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 and 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
Stepping into the limelight, former football legend and son of Rohan Marley, Nico Marley, is elevating health and wellness with Lion X Wellness, a brand that draws inspiration from his family’s legacy.
Driven by an insatiable hunger and an unwavering passion for success, Nico’s path to greatness was predestined. Following in his father’s footsteps, he developed a deep affinity for football, excelling in high school and making his mark at Tulane University before venturing into the NFL.
Transitioning from professional football, Nico embarked on a new journey, founding Lion X Wellness, a health and wellness brand centered on nutrition and premium CBD-based products.
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
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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