Jets QB Ainge hopes substance abuse is behind him

Published: Mar 29, 2011 at 03:43 PM

NEW YORK -- Jets backup quarterback Erik Ainge said Tuesday he is recovering from a lengthy battle with substance abuse that has derailed his NFL career.

Ainge, 24, told ESPNNewYork.com in a candid first-person account that he is also dealing with bipolar disorder.

Ainge said he "was a really bad drug addict" and "would've made Charlie Sheen look like Miss Daisy." He added that he overdosed "several" times and abused prescription medications, cocaine, heroin, marijuana and alcohol.

Ainge said he has been clean since entering rehabilitation this past July, his longest stint of sobriety since he was 11. A fifth-round draft pick in 2008 out of Tennessee, Ainge missed all of last season. His future with the Jets is uncertain.

This article has been reproduced in a new format and may be missing content or contain faulty links. Please use the Contact Us link in our site footer to report an issue.

Related Content

news

Chiefs GM Brett Veach: Kansas City 'lucky' to have WR Marquise Brown in 2024

After a 2023 season that featured a constant narrative of inconsistent receiving talent for the Kansas City Chiefs, K.C. signed WR Marquise "Hollywood" Brown this offseason. General manager Brett Veach spoke on the signing Friday, including how he fits into an uncertain WR corps.

news

NCAA approves coach-to-player helmet communication for 2024 football season

The NCAA's football oversight committee approved Friday the use of coach-to-player helmet communications in games for the 2024 season.

news

Tillman Scholars to announce pick No. 226 in honor of Pat Tillman

When the No. 226 selection is made on Day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit, it will be made by two members of the Pat Tillman Foundation -- Army veteran Jeremy Glasstetter and Air Force veteran Deborah Trimble, per the Cardinals franchise.

news

2024 NFL Draft: All-Pros, Pro Bowlers and overachievers in this class

Will Brock Bowers be a top-five tight end at the NFL level in the near future? Bucky Brooks digs into the 2024 NFL Draft class to find All-Pro and Pro Bowl caliber prospects, along with five he sees as overachievers.