YMCA of the Foothills will host its next Strategic Partners Network meeting on Friday, June 15 from 8 am to 10 am at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital. Guest speaker Ryan Leaf, former NFL Quarterback, will discuss how to deal with the struggles of accepting life on its terms instead of one’s own.
After a successful college career Leaf, a finalist for the Heisman Trophy after his junior year, was selected as the second overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft. Leaf went on as a quarterback in the NFL for four seasons. He played for the San Diego Chargers, the Dallas Cowboys, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Seattle Seahawks. His career was cut short due to poor play, bad behavior, struggles with work ethic, and injuries. After his NFL career ended, Leaf had legal troubles involving drugs and burglary, leading to two years in state prison.
This adversity, coupled with the guidance of an unexpected ally, allowed Leaf to become a symbol of peace and inspiration for those who struggle with substance abuse and mental illness. Leaf is currently the Program Ambassador for the Transcended Recovery Community as well as a College Football and NFL Analyst for Fox Sports and SiriusXM.
Opening comments will be delivered by City of Glendale Director of Communications & Community Relations Tom Lorenz. A former sergeant with the Glendale Police Department, Lorenz is a Drug Recognition Expert who speaks for several state and federal agencies throughout the United States on several topics including drug abuse recognition.
To RSVP or receive more information, send an email to jrabago@ymcafoothills.org or call (818) 583-4727. The event will be in the 4th floor council rooms of USC Verdugo Hills Hospital at 1812 Verdugo Blvd., Glendale, CA 91208.