As the world continues to mourn the sudden passing of “Friends” star Matthew Perry, stories have. emerged about how the actor’s own problems with his sobriety have helped others find theirs.
One such story is from former NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf. Leaf, who was the first-round draft choice of the San Diego Chargers behind No. 1 overall pick Peyton Manning in the 1998 NFL Draft, struggled throughout his career staying sober.
He is now, however, going on 12 years sober and credits Perry with helping him stay sober.
“I got out of prison and when I got to Los Angeles, Matt put his arm around me immediately,” Leaf said. “And he carried me for like, the first six months probably in Los Angeles, trying to learn how to be a sober person really in a public platform.”
Leaf added, “I don’t know if I’m here right now, being able to do stuff like this — or anything — if it weren’t for him, and him sharing his story and making me understand that you can be a guy in the public eye that everyone knows and still be sober, be humble and be about helping other people.”
One of the last things Perry talked about before he passed away was wanting to be more known for helping others, beyond just starring in “Friends.” and it seems he is getting his last wish.
