Former NFL Quarterback Ray Lucas Speaks To Newark Students About Opioid Addiction

Press release from the Newark Board of Education:

NEWARK, N.J. – Former NFL quarterback Ray Lucas knows a lot about pain. He sustained many serious injuries during his pro football career. Since leaving the game, he has spoken openly and often about the pain of his opioid addiction and his recovery. But when Lucas came to Newark on Monday, one student’s testimony brought him to tears.

“I used to be addicted to painkillers. It was very bad,” the student said. The 16-year-old said that he still feels ashamed of his addiction and asked Lucas how he was able to be brave enough to share his story publicly.

“I am in awe of you,” the student said.

The words seemed to stun former quarterback. He took a moment to collect himself.

“Brave is something I haven’t heard in a very, very long time,” said Lucas. “I don’t consider myself brave. I consider myself honest.”

Honesty was the bedrock of Lucas’ talk, which was presented by the district, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey, and New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association. The students who attended represented Barringer High School, the Newark School of Data Science & Information Technology, and Newark Vocational High School. Event organizers chose the three high schools because they had determined that the areas surrounding these schools had the highest rates of opioid addiction within the city.

“For you to have done what you did requires courage,” said Superintendent León, speaking directly to the student who spoke about his addiction. “It takes a lot of courage to say I have a problem, and then – more importantly – to actually do something about it.” The audience applauded, and the Superintendent recognized the student again. “That’s how much power you have.”

The Superintendent also made sure the students knew that help is available for them if they struggle with a drug problem.

“In every single one of our schools, I have somebody who is supposed to be there and do what I would do if I were your principal,” he said. In addition to school principals, substance awareness coordinators are also available to students, he said.

Lucas began his eight years in the NFL in 1996 when he signed with the New England Patriots after coming out of Rutgers University as an undrafted free agent. He later played for the New York Jets, the Miami Dolphins before joining the Baltimore Ravens in 2003, when his injuries forced him to retire before the season began.

Those injuries – including a rotator cuff torn off the bone, a broken collarbone, multiple knee surgeries, and two herniated discs – left him in constant pain. Prescribed large quantities of Vicodin and Percocet, Lucas found himself battling addiction while still trying to live life at full speed.

Today, the Harrison, N.J., native is living a drug- and alcohol-free life. He is married to his high school sweetheart, and together they have raised three daughters and put all three through college.

Newark Board of Education President Hasani K. Council expressed his appreciation of the event.

“When a role model like Ray Lucas shares his own truth, it becomes a moment that can change lives, said Council. “We are committed to ensuring that every one of our students knows they are supported, heard, and never alone in their journey to wellness.”

“Sharing real stories saves real lives,” said Angelo Valente, Executive Director of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey. “Ray Lucas’ honesty, combined with the courage shown by Newark’s students, is exactly what prevention looks like in action. These conversations break stigma, build awareness, and remind young people that recovery is possible, and help is always within reach.”

“At Horizon, we believe that access to behavioral health education and support can change the trajectory of a young person’s life,” said Jonathan Pearson, Senior Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. “We are proud to partner with Newark Public Schools and the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey to bring honest, impactful conversations like this directly to students because prevention, awareness, and early intervention truly matter.”

During the question-and-answer session, one student asked, “How do you help someone who is addicted but doesn’t want help?”

“By any means necessary,” Lucas said. “Don’t ever give up trying. If you need help, ask for help.”

This press release was produced by the Newark Board of Education. The views expressed here are the author’s own.