Ryan Leaf Hired by ESPN as College Football Analyst

[Gugny]

https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/27191481/ex-wazzu-qb-no-2-pick-leaf-hired-espn

 

I was never a big Ryan Leaf fan, but this is a great comeback story.  Happy to see him bouncing back.

 

"Five years ago, sitting in a prison cell, I would have never imagined that I was going to be part of ESPN and the Disney Corporation,'' Leaf said. "If you would have told me that, I would have said you are absolutely crazy. And I can't believe it. I lay my head down every night with a ton of gratitude.''

[DJB]

I dont see the big deal. Hes cleaned up. Hes an inspiration for those struggling with addiction 

[BillsfaninChicago]

Awesome to hear! He actually is a very good person that has, and most likely still deals with personal demons. I really hope he continues in his progress of the straight and narrow. Not only for him but for many others to use as an example on how you can turn your life around.

[njbuff]

Hopefully he makes the most of this opportunity cause he will not get another one.

[NewEra]

55 minutes ago, DJB said:

I dont see the big deal. Hes cleaned up. Hes an inspiration for those struggling with addiction 

I think it’s pretty impressive 

[Virgil]

Honestly, why is he qualified for this job?  He couldn’t grasp the NFL and it’s been almost two decades since he played in college.  So much has changed. 

 

Is this anything more than a name grab?

[Ridgewaycynic2013]

4 hours ago, Gugny said:

"Five years ago, sitting in a prison cell, I would have never imagined that I was going to be part of ESPN and the Disney Corporation,'' Leaf said.

Oh, I don’t know, kid.  You seem to fit right in with the ‘new’ vision of Disney.  I’m surprised a Mickey Mouse mascot wasn’t dressed in prison stripes, standing next to you for the photo op.

[May Day 10]

Good for him.  Heard him on the radio the past few years and his analysis and delivery are solid

[Boca BIlls]

Just another ESPN guy who's opinion means nothing. Being in prison he probably hasn't been able to keep up with sports so he will fit in perfectly.

 

ESPN is getting desperate.

Edited July 15, 2019 by Boca BIlls

[Gugny]

6 hours ago, DJB said:

I dont see the big deal. Hes cleaned up. Hes an inspiration for those struggling with addiction 

 

You said you don't see the big deal, followed by exactly why it's a big deal.

4 hours ago, Virgil said:

Honestly, why is he qualified for this job?  He couldn’t grasp the NFL and it’s been almost two decades since he played in college.  So much has changed. 

 

Is this anything more than a name grab?

 

The No. 2 overall NFL draft pick of the San Diego Chargers in 1998 worked for the Pac-12 Network last season and has been co-hosting a show on SiriusXM's Pac-12 channel.

 

The 43-year-old Leaf, a native of Montana, said he reached out to former players who had made the transition to television, such as Joel Klatt, Brady Quinn and Kirk Herbstreit, and they allowed him to shadow them on assignments.

 

Leaf credited Fox NFL reporter Jay Glazer for supporting and mentoring him as he attempted to enter the business; Steve Cohen, vice president of sports programming at SiriusXM, for building a show around him; and ESPN coordinating producer for college football Ed Placey for guiding him through the process with the all-sports network.

 

Leaf shadowed ESPN's Greg McElroy, another former college quarterback who has been a hit on television, when McElroy called the Washington State-USC game in Los Angeles last season. That led to an audition in March.

[Cripple Creek]

7 hours ago, njbuff said:

Hopefully he makes the most of this opportunity cause he will not get another one.

Not trying to derail this thread, but, Art Briles just called to say "hi!"

[Captain Hindsight]

Good for him. Always happy to see someone be able to turn a negative into a positive 

[Rocket94]

7 hours ago, DJB said:

I dont see the big deal. Hes cleaned up. Hes an inspiration for those struggling with addiction 

Everyone deserves a second chance. He was only killing himself.

[freddyjj]

Most great stories are redemptive in nature.  One who has all struggles and falls.  Along the way they learn that the journey is the point, not the end.  

 

Wish him the best and hope some out there learn from his experience.  And he is a pretty good analyst btw!

[TigerJ]

He's bright, articulate and presents himself well on camera.  Lots of bright people do some stupid things at some point in their lives.  I believe in redemption and second chances.  I hope it works out well for him.

[Rocket94]

5 minutes ago, TigerJ said:

He's bright, articulate and presents himself well on camera.  Lots of bright people do some stupid things at some point in their lives.  I believe in redemption and second chances.  I hope it works out well for him.

That was his path. He took the necessary journey to find himself.

[Virgil]

2 hours ago, Gugny said:

 

You said you don't see the big deal, followed by exactly why it's a big deal.

 

The No. 2 overall NFL draft pick of the San Diego Chargers in 1998 worked for the Pac-12 Network last season and has been co-hosting a show on SiriusXM's Pac-12 channel.

 

The 43-year-old Leaf, a native of Montana, said he reached out to former players who had made the transition to television, such as Joel Klatt, Brady Quinn and Kirk Herbstreit, and they allowed him to shadow them on assignments.

 

Leaf credited Fox NFL reporter Jay Glazer for supporting and mentoring him as he attempted to enter the business; Steve Cohen, vice president of sports programming at SiriusXM, for building a show around him; and ESPN coordinating producer for college football Ed Placey for guiding him through the process with the all-sports network.

 

Leaf shadowed ESPN's Greg McElroy, another former college quarterback who has been a hit on television, when McElroy called the Washington State-USC game in Los Angeles last season. That led to an audition in March.

 

How dare you respond to me with logic and facts?  Who do you think you are?!?

[Jerry Jabber]

Glad to see Ryan turn his life around and things are looking up for him.

[Shooter McGavin]

“Get away from me! Alright!?”

[Bing Bong]

52 minutes ago, Rocket94 said:

Everyone deserves a second chance. He was only killing himself.

This isn't really a second chance I think he's made come backs and relapsed several times no? This probably has been his best gig though.

 

But I still agree with your point, no need to begrudge someone fixing themselves up and I hope he stays on the straight and narrow.

 

This board is full of troubled NFL players right now.. like.. half the front page is over similar topic on various players lol. Off-season.

[OldTimeAFLGuy]

9 hours ago, DJB said:

I dont see the big deal. Hes cleaned up. Hes an inspiration for those struggling with addiction 

 

...agree....pretty evident he hit rock bottom and is clawing his way back.......hope he makes it.............

[Santana]

He seems like a good guy who finally grew up. Great story, gotta be happy for him.

[aristocrat]

I think he just had a kid too so he has one huge reason to stay sober. Hope he keeps clean.  

[stony]

He's actually good, too.  I've heard him do a lot of radio hits over the past year or so and he's kind of a natural at it.  

[Beast]

Good for him. I believe he appreciates the opportunity given to him. 

[T master]

Second chances can be a good thing for those that have made bad decisions in their life so i hope he does well in this endeavor ...

 

It has to be better than his playing carrier !! DID I SAY THAT ??? ?

[mannc]

9 hours ago, Virgil said:

Honestly, why is he qualified for this job?  He couldn’t grasp the NFL and it’s been almost two decades since he played in college.  So much has changed. 

 

Is this anything more than a name grab?

How does anyone become "qualified" for a job as a college football analyst?  What does the fact that Leaf failed as an NFL quarterback have to do with it?

[billsfan_34]

9 hours ago, Virgil said:

Honestly, why is he qualified for this job?  He couldn’t grasp the NFL and it’s been almost two decades since he played in college.  So much has changed. 

 

Is this anything more than a name grab?

Ken Dorsey wasn’t a good QB at the NFL level, yet many regard him as one of the best QB coaches around. I expect him to continue to move up the ranks. It says Leaf was working in the PAC 12- I haven’t watched his analysis but I am thinking ESPN did.

[Rocket94]

7 hours ago, BarkleyForGOATBackupPT5P said:

This isn't really a second chance I think he's made come backs and relapsed several times no? This probably has been his best gig though.

 

But I still agree with your point, no need to begrudge someone fixing themselves up and I hope he stays on the straight and narrow.

 

This board is full of troubled NFL players right now.. like.. half the front page is over similar topic on various players lol. Off-season.

Relapses are sometimes  part of the life long process. Acceptance of who he is plays a big part. He just has to remain vigilant in his recovery the rest of his life.

Edited July 15, 2019 by Rocket94

[TigerJ]

3 hours ago, Rocket94 said:

That was his path. He took the necessary journey to find himself.

I don't really believe that.  That philosophy turns everybody who makes a bad choice into a victim of fate.

[Rocket94]

15 minutes ago, TigerJ said:

I don't really believe that.  That philosophy turns everybody who makes a bad choice into a victim of fate.

Not always...just lived experience.

3 hours ago, BarkleyForGOATBackupPT5P said:

This isn't really a second chance I think he's made come backs and relapsed several times no? This probably has been his best gig though.

 

But I still agree with your point, no need to begrudge someone fixing themselves up and I hope he stays on the straight and narrow.

 

This board is full of troubled NFL players right now.. like.. half the front page is over similar topic on various players lol. Off-season.

Cognito played well for the Bills. I like the guy. However, any underlying mental health issues that he has are an entire different conversation. I wish him well and hope he gets the help that he deserves.

[Best Player Available]

5 hours ago, Rocket94 said:

Not always...just lived experience.

Cognito played well for the Bills. I like the guy. However, any underlying mental health issues that he has are an entire different conversation. I wish him well and hope he gets the help that he deserves.

How he played in Buffalo is of no value at all. Cogs was kept in check by Eric  Wood & others. During his tenure as a Buffalo Bill.

 

As a contributor to society, or even as a clean/quality NFL player.  he is and will remain on the lowest step on any ladder....  Even Dareus complained he was one of the dirtiest players in the league. Correction! at the time Dareus called him the dirtest player. With eye gouging in the a pile a specialty. Of course that was when he was a dolphin. The NFL  is complicit  in  any of his future digressions. And the odds are with this dude likely not too end well.Or In any post pro football endevors. Does he need help? Obviously. Does he realize his issues? To date no. 

 

Big shout out too Chucky for taking on this POS. The league really has no choice here. He should be in  civil court ordered therapy. Just on past behavior alone. But that's not how it works anymore. That would obviously include pre NFL behavior. And post Bills 'retirement'  behavior. As a human One hopes he seeks out and sticks too a therapy plan..best of luck too one f****d up dude. who's issues are all self inflicted.

[LSHMEAB]

17 hours ago, Virgil said:

Honestly, why is he qualified for this job?  He couldn’t grasp the NFL and it’s been almost two decades since he played in college.  So much has changed. 

 

Is this anything more than a name grab?

If AROD is qualified to provide commentary on PRIMETIME MLB games, then I can live with Leaf offering some analysis on CFB.

 

Honestly, it probably is a bit of a name grab, but I've never really heard him discuss football. We shall see.

[Rocket94]

10 minutes ago, Best Player Available said:

How he played in Buffalo is of no value at all. Cogs was kept in check by Eric  Wood & others. During his tenure as a Buffalo Bill.

 

As a contributor to society, or even as a clean/quality NFL player.  he is and will remain on the lowest step on any ladder....  Even Dareus complained he was one of the dirtiest players in the league. Correction! at the time Dareus called him the dirtest player. With eye gouging in the a pile a specialty. Of course that was when he was a dolphin. The NFL  is complicit  in  any of his future digressions. And the odds are with this dude likely not too end well.Or In any post pro football endevors. Does he need help? Obviously. Does he realize his issues? To date no. 

 

Big shout out too Chucky for taking on this POS. The league really has no choice here. He should be in  civil court ordered therapy. Just on past behavior alone. But that's not how it works anymore. That would obviously include pre NFL behavior. And post Bills 'retirement'  behavior. As a human One hopes he seeks out and sticks too a therapy plan..best of luck too one f****d up dude. who's issues are all self inflicted.

Well yes...more than ever, we live in a therapeutic culture. It is up to the individual (such as Cognito, or any one else) to be responsible for themselves and their behavior. 

[Gugny]

30 minutes ago, Best Player Available said:

How he played in Buffalo is of no value at all. Cogs was kept in check by Eric  Wood & others. During his tenure as a Buffalo Bill.

 

As a contributor to society, or even as a clean/quality NFL player.  he is and will remain on the lowest step on any ladder....  Even Dareus complained he was one of the dirtiest players in the league. Correction! at the time Dareus called him the dirtest player. With eye gouging in the a pile a specialty. Of course that was when he was a dolphin. The NFL  is complicit  in  any of his future digressions. And the odds are with this dude likely not too end well.Or In any post pro football endevors. Does he need help? Obviously. Does he realize his issues? To date no. 

 

Big shout out too Chucky for taking on this POS. The league really has no choice here. He should be in  civil court ordered therapy. Just on past behavior alone. But that's not how it works anymore. That would obviously include pre NFL behavior. And post Bills 'retirement'  behavior. As a human One hopes he seeks out and sticks too a therapy plan..best of luck too one f****d up dude. who's issues are all self inflicted.

 

I agree that Incognito is one of the most supreme douchebags to ever walk the planet.  But I don't think all of his issues are self-inflicted.  I think he's a mentally ill a-hole.

[Best Player Available]

22 minutes ago, Gugny said:

 

I agree that Incognito is one of the most supreme douchebags to ever walk the planet.  But I don't think all of his issues are self-inflicted.  I think he's a mentally ill a-hole.

Well, i guess your point can well be true. Although to my knowledge he was ever caught or even accused of  doing HGH or any steroids. it seemed at times one could point to steroid abuse as at least part of his issues. Based strictly on his behavior. But yea, it's all conjecture on my part. 

.

44 minutes ago, Rocket94 said:

Well yes...more than ever, we live in a therapeutic culture. It is up to the individual (such as Cognito, or any one else) to be responsible for themselves and their behavior. 

I feel sorry for the guy. And his red Ferrari (rip) in his driveway. His family, etc. This is a situation where the league IMO bears some responsibilty going forward. I hope someone offers him help. It seems like he is still a ticking time bomb.

[Augie]

19 hours ago, DJB said:

I dont see the big deal. Hes cleaned up. Hes an inspiration for those struggling with addiction 

 

I 100% agree with he second and third sentences. But I think it’s a HUGE friggin’ deal!

 

I’m sure you meant that the right way, but I can’t express what a big deal it is. You can now meet the real Ryan Leaf for the first time in forever.....

 

I’ve seen him on Cowherd and he seems pretty open, honest and worth listening to. 

[H2o]

Good for him. Glad he has gotten his life together and I hope he's found his niche in this world. 

[Passepartout]

Great role model that for those down in the dumps like he was only to rise up.

[Rocket94]

35 minutes ago, Best Player Available said:

Well, i guess your point can well be true. Although to my knowledge he was ever caught or even accused of  doing HGH or any steroids. it seemed at times one could point to steroid abuse as at least part of his issues. Based strictly on his behavior. But yea, it's all conjecture on my part. 

.

I feel sorry for the guy. And his red Ferrari (rip) in his driveway. His family, etc. This is a situation where the league IMO bears some responsibilty going forward. I hope someone offers him help. It seems like he is still a ticking time bomb.

Maybe Leaf has actually seen the abyss and found his rock bottom. As for Cognito, there appears to be a lot of unresolved conflict in his life and displaced anger. His career is winding down, and when it is over, he will have more time to evaluate his behavior. That is all that I have to say on this subject.

Edited July 16, 2019 by Rocket94