Fansided

Former NFL lineman Kyle Turley opens up about suicidal thoughts

By Randy Gurzi

Sep 20, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; A New Orleans Saints helmet on the field before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; A New Orleans Saints helmet on the field before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Former NFL lineman Kyle Turley opens up about homicidal and suicidal thoughts as he speaks about the use of medical marijuana

Concussions and brain damage have become perhaps the largest concern for the National Football League. Past players have come forward to speak about the struggles in their lives and the unfortunate loss of people like Dave Duerson and Junior Seau have brought brain trauma to the national spotlight.

Once again a former NFL player has come forward to speak about the issues he has had, which he believes resulted from prescription drugs taken to help relieve brain trauma and other injuries suffered during his career.

Kyle Turley played offensive line from 1998 until 2007 and says he had several issues from the painkillers he took, including suicidal and homicidal thoughts, per Deadspin.

Turley claims that he “100%” believed the issues came from psych medicines as wellbutrin made him feel like killing himself and his wife had to stop him from jumping out of a third story window. From there he was prescribed depakote, which led him to anxiety and depression which made the issues even worse long-term.

He then claims that the NFL should allow the use of medical marijuana, and even credits cannabis for saving his life while he was attending his induction into San Diego State University’s Hall of Fame.

"I was there by myself, my wife had to stay back with the kids in Tennessee. I found myself out on the balcony, to step out and get some air, and, you know, actually try to medicate with some cannabis, and I found as soon as I got out the door I wanted to jump off of the building. And if it weren’t for cannabis I don’t think I would have made it back to my hotel room."

Turley also claimed at one point he was not even able to be around a kitchen knife for fear he could hurt his wife or kids. The former lineman advocates alternative means of pain relief like cannabis, but still claims he not only loves the NFL but would also allow his son to play if he wishes.

Home/NFL