One year ago today I was escorted by San Bernardino Sheriff Deputies from a vacation home I didn’t have the right to be in. They took me to a motel 6 because I was too drunk to drive after a multiple day bender.
The only good thing about this embarrassing experience was that the room had a TV and I could watch Monday Night Football.
During the pregame show, Raiders TE Darren Waller shared his experience, strength, and hope. I wanted what he had. I didn’t want to be drinking a handle of vodka a day. I didn’t want to hurt anymore. I wanted what he had.
I went in and out of sleep during that game but every time I woke up he was making a huge play. I took one massive chug sometime around 11pm after the Raiders won and promised myself that would truly be my last sip of booze.
364 days sober today and I am grateful that ESPN and Darren Waller gave me the message I so desperately needed.