Addiction issues once derailed the life of former top NFL Draft pick Ryan Leaf. He now travels the country educating others on how to avoid his mistakes and will do so again this month at an event for National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week. 

The special session takes place at the University of Minnesota Crookston in the Kiehle Auditorium at 7 p.m. on October 18th. The event is free and open to the public. 

Leaf will specifically focus on the topics of perseverance, gratitude and hope. UM Crookston's Counselling Services department is sponsoring his visit. 

Leaf had a banner career at Washington State and was named a Heisman Trophy finalist. The San Diego Chargers made him the second overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft. 

Leaf just spent three seasons with the Chargers until injuries and other issues ended his career. The despair involved with not succeeding pushed him down the road of addiction with painkillers. 

Leaf even spent time post-football in prison, but found sobriety and was determined to make a difference. He is now a program ambassador for Transcend Recovery Community. 

To inquire about Ryan Leaf's speaking fee and appearance cost, contact the agents at Athlete Speakers by calling us at 800-916-6008 or by Starting Your Booking Request Now. 

Ryan Leaf on The Ellen Show: