Buffalo Bills safety Jordan Poyer posted on Instagram Saturday to reveal that he quit drinking a year ago.
“A year ago today (3/13/2020) I decided to quit drinking,” he wrote. “Not because of anything special. Like lent or a New Years resolution. But because I was an alcoholic. I’m writing this knowing there are others out there like me that realize they too need help.”
You can sense the trepidation in Poyer’s message. He eventually says, “Can’t lie even writing this, Im embarrassed, it’s shameful but If I can overcome the struggle of alcohol, so can you.”
Alcoholism is, of course, nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed of, and Poyer’s message is courageous and important.
There are many, many, many people dealing with alcohol use disorder. Others in the NFL, on and off the field. Others in every walk of life. Others in your neighborhood.
Having Poyer speak out about a subject that is still frustratingly taboo is a vital step in helping more people understand the many forms of alcohol abuse. Poyer got broad support after posting his message, but if you look hard enough you’ll find some people who used it to create a discussion full of misconceptions and stereotyping about alcohol addiction and the programs used to assist those suffering from it.
I wrote earlier today about how sad it is to see Johnny Manziel and Josh Gordon playing in the Fan Controlled Football league, as both of their careers were derailed by addiction. ESPN ran a story earlier this year about CC Sabathia’s — and writer Ryan Hockensmith’s — fight against addiction.
I’m guessing we hear about only a small percentage of the athletes who’ve struggled with addiction, because as Poyer points out it’s too often treated as a moral failing or lack of willpower rather than a chronic and debilitating disease.
Poyer’s decision to share his story will most certainly resonate with fans out there who have wondered about their own alcohol use — and that of loved ones and friends. It encourages difficult discussions and makes it plain that anyone anywhere can find themselves stuck in a cycle of addiction — but that, also, they can seek and find help.
