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NFL players deal with the same types of problems as everyone else. They aren't immune to the struggles of the world just by being professional athletes.
Drug abuse has long been an issue among NFL players. It has plagued the league for years, affecting both active players, as well as former ones. It's a widespread problem that the league has taken steps to try and counter.
Here are five players who tragically suffered drug-related deaths.
#1 Jaylon Ferguson
Jaylon Ferguson was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round of the 2019 Draft after a standout college football career at Louisiana Tech. He spent three seasons with the Ravens, where he recorded 4.5 sacks.
Ferguson is the most recent player to have fallen victim to a drug-related death. Aged 26, he died from accidentally overdosing on a combination of cocaine and fentanyl during the 2022 NFL offseason.
#2 Keith McCants
Keith McCants spent six seasons in the NFL with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Houston Oilers, and Arizona Cardinals, while recording 13.5 career sacks. He entered the world of broadcasting following his playing career.
McCants also pursued a career in criminal justice, becoming a marine police officer in Alabama. He died of an apparent drug overdose on in September 2021, aged 53.
#3 Colt Brennan
Colt Brennan had an incredible college football career in Hawaii. He finished in the top 10 in career passing yards and touchdowns in college football history. He turned that into a seven-year professional career that spanned the NFL, CFL, Arena Football League, and United Football League.
Brennan struggled with substance abuse and was arrested multiple times for driving under the influence, as well as trespassing while heavily intoxicated. He reportedly attempted to check himself into a detox and rehab center, but was turned away because they were filled to capacity.
He tragically overdosed on fentanyl and methamphetamines just hours later.
#4 Dwayne Haskins
After an excellent college football career with the Ohio State Buckeyes, Dwayne Haskins was selected by the Washington Commanders in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He spent two years in Washington, where he recorded 13 total touchdowns before being signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Dwayne Haskins was fatally wounded after being hit by a dump truck while attempting to walk across a highway during the 2022 offseason. His car reportedly ran out of gas and he was forced to walk across the highway to get to a gas station.
It was later reported that his BAC was more than double the legal limit and he also had ketamine in his system.
#5 Gene Lipscomb
Gene Lipscomb spent 10 years in the NFL with the Los Angeles Rams, Baltimore Colts, and Pittsburgh Steelers. He was selected to three Pro Bowls and four All-Pro teams and had a solid career as a pass rusher.
Lipscomb's football career as well as his life came to a sudden end during the 1963 offseason. He died of a heroin overdose at just 31 years old.
