How Nick Saban helped Ryan Leaf rebuild his life after prison and addiction

Ryan Leaf's road back from personal and professional turmoil was shaped in part by one of football's most respected coaches.

Widely regarded as one of the biggest busts in NFL history, the former Washington State quarterback battled drug addiction and multiple run-ins with law enforcement that ultimately led to more than two years in a Montana prison before his release in December 2014.

Leaf began rebuilding his life in recovery, using his platform to help others facing similar struggles and becoming a prominent advocate for substance abuse awareness. His transformation was highlighted in an ESPN profile in May 2017. A few months later, then-Alabama coach Nick Saban reached out and invited him to speak to the Crimson Tide.

"Nick Saban was the first coach to do that," Leaf told USA TODAY Sports. "Best referral you could ever have is Nick Saban bringing you in to speak. I owe that man a ton."

With Alabama's football team, Leaf shared the story of his rise and fall: from Heisman Trophy finalist and No. 2 overall NFL draft pick to the personal struggles that derailed his career. He spoke candidly about his battle with addiction, his time in prison and the lessons he…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/sports/