# Retired NFL Player Shares How Cannabis Changed His Life > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-saved-his-life-retired-nfl-player-story/ > **Published:** 2020-09-22T14:02:40-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T11:17:24-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Discover how cannabis saved his life and supports health after NFL retirement. Learn about benefits for athletes and immune system support. --- Former NFL player says that cannabis saved him, and he thinks it can help others In Summary: There are many different outlets for individuals to deal with stress and anxiety in their lives. For Kyle Turley, former All-Pro Offensive Tackle for the National Football League, marijuana is more than a [stress relief](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoid-clinical-relevance-threshold-march-2026/). He believes cannabis saved his life. After smoking for more than 20 years, Turley believes cannabis has improved his [immune system](https://cedclinic.com/fungal-contamination-cannabis-risks-arizona-preroll-recall/) and credits it with helping him fight off the infamous COVID-19 virus. After his retirement in 2007, Turley moved back to his hometown in California in the hopes of one day getting his cannabis licence. While the state of California has deemed dispensaries an essential business, Turley believes it has been essential to his survival for his life after professional football. After retirement, he believes cannabis has helped cure many ailments including vertigo, seizures, mood swings and many other symptoms footbal players typically suffer from in retirement. Kyle Turley is not the only one in his household who has benefited from cannabis consumption. His wife, Stacey, believes daily doses of CBD cream have alleviated her skin cancer and has boosted the immune systems of their children. [LEARN MORE](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2020/03/22/nfl-former-player-kyle-turley-says-cannabis-saved-him-can-save-you/2891537001/) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) Physician-Led, Whole-Person Care A doctor who takes the time to truly understand you. Personal care that starts with listening and is guided by experience and ingenuity. Health, Longevity, Wellness One-on-One Cannabis Guidance Metabolic Balance [Leave a Message](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) [Metabolic Care](https://cedclinic.com/metabolic/metabolic-how-it-works/) [Medical Consulting](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [Cannabis Care](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) RELATED READING AT CED CLINIC Continue exploring the evidence [Former NFL Quarterback urges athletes to consider CBD products](https://cedclinic.com/former-nfl-quarterback-urges-athletes-to-consider-cbd-products/) Learn why a former NFL quarterback recommends [CBD products](https://cedclinic.com/fda-warning-on-cbd-products/) for athletes seeking natural relief and recovery. [Read More](https://cedclinic.com/former-nfl-quarterback-urges-athletes-to-consider-cbd-products/) [Cannabis for the Chaos?](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-anxiety-relief-tips/) Explore how cannabis can help manage stress and anxiety in challenging times. [Explore Article](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-anxiety-relief-tips/) [Major study finds strong link between cannabis, anxiety and depression – Medical Xpress](https://cedclinic.com/bidirectional-cannabis-anxiety-depression-link/) Review recent research on [cannabis effects](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-pharmacology-challenges-clinical-practice/) related to anxiety and depression management. [Learn More](https://cedclinic.com/bidirectional-cannabis-anxiety-depression-link/) Have thoughts on this? Share it: [X Share on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Retired%20NFL%20Player%20Shares%20How%20Cannabis%20Changed%20His%20Life&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Fcannabis-saved-his-life-retired-nfl-player-story%2F) [in Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Fcannabis-saved-his-life-retired-nfl-player-story%2F) [Share on BlueSky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Retired%20NFL%20Player%20Shares%20How%20Cannabis%20Changed%20His%20Life%20https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Fcannabis-saved-his-life-retired-nfl-player-story%2F) [Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/drbenjamincaplan) [Read more on Substack](https://doctorapprovedcannabis.substack.com/) [Subscribe via RSS](https://cedclinic.com/feed/) ### Related --- ### Verification & Medical Governance - **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD - **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Former CMO Canna Care Docs (250,000+ patients supervised), Founder & CMO CED Clinic & CED Foundation, Author of *The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook* (Penguin Random House). - **Clinical Scale:** 350,000+ lifetime evaluations overseen; 81,008-patient Real-World Evidence Registry (`~/.ced_rwe_vault.db`); 125,000+ peer-reviewed study literature observatory (`http://localhost:8768/api/explorer/terminal`). - **License Verification:** Commonwealth of Massachusetts License #240562 (https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/). - **NPI Registry:** 1962722637 (https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1962722637). - **Ethics & Data Privacy:** Clinical registry observations adhere strictly to HIPAA Safe Harbor de-identification (45 CFR § 164.514(b)) and criteria for secondary research exemption under 45 CFR § 46.104(d)(4).