It’s been quite the road for former quarterback Ryan Leaf, and his role as a broadcaster is part of his redemption story.
Leaf will be part of the broadcast crew calling this weekend’s FCS national championship game between South Dakota State and Montana. He told Montana Sports reporter Tom Wylie that he’s supremely grateful for the opportunity.
“I’m amazed at what this life has allowed me to do and what’s given me,” Leaf said.
Leaf was selected number two overall behind Peyton Manning in the 1998 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers. His playing career never panned out and Leaf has widely been considered one of the most notable draft busts ever. Ryan Leaf also faced legal troubles and has served time in a Montana prison for burglary, theft and drug possession.
But Leaf has persevered. He said he knows he comes with baggage, and that can be a turn-off to employers. But the former #2 overall pick said he’s put in the work to be the best broadcaster he can be.
“If you don’t put the work in, you get found out,” he said. “The guys that put you in those chairs, they want the best possible product out there, and they’re not gonna take a chance on a seven-time convicted felon drug addict if he’s not good at it. I mean why would you do that? It just doesn’t make any sense unless you can actually bring something to the table.”
Ryan Leaf added that he knows in order to put further distance between his criminal past and what he’s doing presently, he’s got to be the hardest worker in the room tenfold.
“It’s imperative that I work my tail off for everything I’ve got now,” he said.
