My journey with addiction started when I was young, and at first, I didn’t think it was a real problem. I was a college football player, focused on my future, and I thought I had everything under control. But addiction doesn’t work that way. Over time, it started to take over, and I made choices that led to some serious consequences. I lost my football career, got into legal trouble, and felt like my life was falling apart. The real turning point came when I had to have emergency surgery to repair a ruptured tendon, something that happened because of my drug use. That moment forced me to really look at where I was headed. I knew I couldn’t keep living that way, so I made the decision to change. But recovery wasn’t just about getting sober. It was about rebuilding my life, finding purpose, and learning how to push through challenges in a way I never had before. Fitness, discipline, and surrounding myself with the right people helped me move forward. Now, through the work I do with Elevate Recovery Homes, True North Recovery Services, and All The Way Well, I help others find their own way out. I know what it’s like to feel lost, but I also know what it takes to rebuild, and I want to help as many people as possible do the same.

There were a lot of moments where I probably should have realized I needed help, but the real turning point came when I had to have emergency surgery to repair a ruptured tendon, something that happened because of my drug use. Up until that point, I had been telling myself that I was fine, that I could handle it, that things weren’t that bad. But lying in that hospital bed, knowing that my body was literally breaking down because of my choices, I couldn’t ignore it anymore. It wasn’t just about the physical consequences, it was the realization that I had completely lost control of my life. My football career was gone. I had burned bridges with people who cared about me. And for the first time, I really saw how much I was hurting myself and the people around me. That was the moment I knew something had to change. I didn’t have all the answers, and I definitely didn’t have it all figured out overnight, but I made the decision to actually do something about it. The decision to face my addiction head-on, to put in the work, and to stop running from the truth was what set me on the path to recovery.

The hardest part about admitting I had a problem was letting go of the illusion that I was in control. For a long time, I told myself that I had things handled and that I could stop whenever I wanted and that it wasn’t affecting my life as much as people said it was. But deep down, I knew that wasn’t true. Admitting I had a problem meant facing the reality that my decisions had consequences. It meant acknowledging that I wasn’t just hurting myself, I was hurting the people who cared about me. And honestly, it was terrifying to think about what life would look like without the substances I had come to rely on. There was a part of me that wondered if I even could change, if I was too far gone. But once I finally admitted it, I felt something I hadn’t in a long time. Relief. Because from that moment forward, I wasn’t stuck in denial anymore. I could actually start doing the work to change. It wasn’t easy, but it was the first real step toward getting my life back.

The biggest impact on my recovery came from Peer 1 Therapeutic Community. That’s where I truly learned how to align my attitudes, emotions, and beliefs with my actions. Before that, I had spent years making excuses, justifying my behavior, and believing that my situation was just something happening to me. But at Peer 1, I was forced to take responsibility. Not just for my past, but for the kind of person I wanted to become. It wasn’t just about getting sober. It was about rewiring the way I thought, the way I reacted, and the way I moved through the world. Peer 1 pushed me to confront the things I had been running from, to own my choices, and to build a new foundation based on honesty, accountability, and integrity. I learned that my actions had to match my words. That I couldn’t just want to change I had to live that change, every single day. That experience gave me the tools I needed to rebuild my life. It showed me that real recovery isn’t just about quitting substances; it’s about transforming your entire mindset. To this day, the lessons I learned at Peer 1 still shape the way I approach challenges, relationships, and leadership.

In the early stages of recovery, I went through some of the hardest challenges of my life. The first was going through Peer 1 Therapeutic Community. That place broke me down in the best way possible. I had to unlearn years of bad habits and stop making excuses for myself. There was no hiding, no running from the truth. I had to take responsibility for everything and start rebuilding from the inside out. It wasn’t easy, but it was exactly what I needed. Then came being sober in prison, which was a whole different kind of challenge. I was in an environment that didn’t exactly support change, and I had to stay committed to recovery while surrounded by people who weren’t on the same path. There were no distractions, no easy outs, I had to sit with everything I had done and really face it. That was tough, but it also gave me the mental strength I needed to keep moving forward. And then, after all of that, I had to rebuild my life from scratch. No job, no money, and a record that followed me everywhere. I had to prove to myself and to everyone else that I was different, that I wasn’t the same person I used to be. That took patience, humility, and a willingness to start from the ground up, even when it felt impossible. Each stage of recovery tested me in ways I never expected, but those challenges shaped who I am today. They forced me to grow, to get stronger, and to commit to a life I never thought was possible for me.

A few daily habits keep me grounded in my sobriety. Movement is a big one whether it’s lifting, running, or just getting outside. Physical activity helps me stay disciplined and clear-headed. Checking in with my people is another. Recovery isn’t something you do alone so I make sure to stay connected with the right people who hold me accountable and push me to be better. Sticking to a routine keeps me from drifting. Early mornings, structured work, and having a purpose each day all keep me focused. And most importantly, I remind myself why I do this. Every day I make the choice to keep going because the life I have now is worth it.

My top absolutes for maintaining recovery are simple but non-negotiable. I don’t do it alone. Staying connected with the right people is everything. Whether it’s mentors, friends in recovery, or people who hold me accountable, I make sure I surround myself with those who push me to be better. I stay physically active. Movement keeps me sharp, disciplined, and out of my own head. Whether it’s lifting, running, or training for something hard, I’ve learned that my mental and physical health go hand in hand. I stick to a routine. When I let my structure slip, everything else starts to follow. Early mornings, productive days, and keeping my commitments help me stay focused and intentional. Most importantly, I remember why I’m doing this. Every day, I remind myself where I came from and what’s at stake. Recovery isn’t something I just try to maintain. It is something I build on every single day.

My life today is completely different from where I was years ago. I wake up every day with purpose. Whether it’s running my businesses, training, or spending time with my family, I live with intention. I know what happens when I drift, so I stay focused on what truly matters. I surround myself with good people. Recovery taught me that the people in my life make all the difference. I have a strong support system, and I make sure to be that same kind of person for others. I challenge myself constantly. Whether it’s through endurance events, pushing my businesses forward, or stepping into new roles, I don’t let myself get comfortable. Growth comes from discomfort, and I embrace that. Most importantly, I am present. I don’t take my second chance for granted. I’ve built a life that I’m proud of, and every day I make the choice to keep showing up, not just for myself but for the people who believe in me.

Recovery gave me a second chance, and I don’t take that lightly. It’s not just about staying sober. It’s about living with purpose, keeping my word, and showing up for the people who count on me. I don’t dwell on the past. I use it as fuel to keep growing, to help others, and to build something meaningful. Most of all, I know recovery isn’t a finish line. It’s a daily commitment, and one I’m grateful to make every day.