Darren Waller was already aware that he was traveling to the world’s most popular tourist destination. He was well aware of the unlimited entertainment options and the vibrant lifestyle of the Strip. However, after spending a few days in Las Vegas, the Raiders football player realized that there was much more to explore in this new hometown.

He said that it was really a nice feeling to meet random people around; they were welcoming and nice. It was really good to see the new neighborhoods and the way they live. Just within a few days, Waller got closely attached to this new community, and he was willing to do something good for his new hometown.

Being in recovery for a drug addiction, Waller was also determined to share his own life experiences with the young adults so that they could also switch to a sober and happy life. While visiting Las Vegas, it was not all about the game; rather, he also started working for the youth in the area via Darren Waller Foundation to help them avoid alcohol addiction and drug abuse.

Waller said that he shared his own experiences with the youngsters around and made them realize that there are so many great ways to have peace and happiness in life instead of being addicted to alcohol and drug. He believed that it is good to reach a teenager and talk to him about the negative sides of drug use. Actually, Waller himself became highly dependent on drugs even when he was just 15 years old and use to attend classes in high school. He didn’t have many friends in the school, and he considered a drug as his companion to create a comfortable environment around. During this tenure, he also impressed the teams with his gaming performance and slowly became one of the top-rated players in Georgia’s high school.

In the beginning, he thought that he is on the journey of success due to drugs, and he considered it a part of his life to move on. He even started using different tricks to defend his habit in public. Moreover, his well-grown body and technique for the game highlighted his potential in the professional football world.

The Baltimore Ravens considered him for the sixth round during the year 2015, and he played almost 18 games during the first two seasons. He was on the path of success, but unfortunately, he was suspended from the game due to marijuana use.

This incident brought a series of troubles to his life. He felt exhausted with the game demands and was even getting high on a regular basis. With time, he even started using cocaine, pills, and opiates. In June 2017, he was suspended once again for violating the substance abuse rules of the league.

Well, getting rid of drugs is not an easy thing for those with an addiction. It was tough for Waller as well, and he went through several moments of hopelessness and self-doubt. But he received enough support form family, friends, and recovery groups. Although it took a long time for him to become a sober person again, he created a Foundation with a thought to help others involved in similar kind of circumstances.

His foundation is now helping many youngsters to recover from drug abuse while improving self-control as a way of life. The foundation has saved several lives in the past few years, and Waller believes that this is the best thing he could do in the entire life.

 

Citation

https://lasvegassun.com/news/2020/sep/09/by-sharing-drug-addiction-struggles-raiders-darren/