This Thursday in Ann Arbor, a familiar face will return to the area. This time though, he won’t be cheering for the Maize and Blue.
Instead, he’ll be shedding light on addiction and recovery.
That “he” is former NFL wide receiver and Michigan football legend Braylon Edwards. The Sports Marketing Agency (SMA), in partnership with the NFL Alumni Detroit Chapter, will host a book signing, “A Conversation with Braylon” from 5:30 until 7 pm at Therapeutics, located at 4673 Washtenaw Avenue in Ann Arbor. During this special event, Edwards will share his struggles with his public and private struggles with addiction.
His book titled “Doing It My Way”, will focus on his life journey of highs and lows. It will center around the fame and success that came with his athletic achievements to the downward spiral of injuries, addiction, and arrests.
“Although I went to 3rd overall in the NFL Draft and the first car I purchased cost $220,000, at the end of the day, I am no different from you”, said Edwards during a recent Sports Impact Luncheon to Petosky, Michigan residents in recovery.
“What it took me was understanding, and admit, I have a problem. I learned it was ok to verbally say I have an issue, but the key is to now take some action. My mental capacity grew stronger, my family and friends regained trust in me and I began to change the circle I had attached myself to better myself”.
The upcoming speaker series will join forces with several additional notable local athletes as well. Former star Michigan athletes Jimmy King and Devin Gardner, and Detroit Lions legend Herman Moore will join this platform that will include several other professional athletes. The purpose is for athletes to share their personal experiences. Athletes who are a part of the series will work to help remove the stigma around mental health, opioid abuse and the effects of the addition.
Edwards currently has several records at are still in-tact at Michigan. He holds three receiving records as their all-time leader in receptions (252), yards (3,541), and touchdowns (39). He also played several seasons in the NFL for the Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers, and Seattle Seahawks.
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