Painkillers in the NFL: Keith McCants on the War Within

"They turned me into a fking monster on the field...and you take that monster home with you." Mr. McCants, I want you to know that combat veterans like me share your pain.

He just passed today, and I remember pulling for him to crush the habit. If you're struggling with substance abuse, seek counsel. You've got my admiration while doing so, and it isn't too late to make a difference. You're in a better place, Keith.

Damn. One of the saddest video I have ever watch. Stay positive, brother. God bless.

RIP Keith McCants. A sad ending to a sad story. A cautionary tale for the ages.

I don't think I've seen a more impactful video in all my time on YouTube, what an unbelievably sad story.

and the so called "fans" boo Andrew Luck for leaving.

If this doesn't break your heart you have no soul.

I had a defensive coordinator in my senior year of high school who played at our local university and spent some time in the NFL. He was a great man, still new to coaching, but he had an undeniable love for the game and shared that with us. Unfortunately, as the season progressed, we began to see the toll football took on his body. In his mid-30’s, this man would forget the people around him, his own players and fellow coaches. There would be times when he would be coaching us in practice and in the middle of an explanation he would forget where he’s at and what he was doing. The saddest part of all of this was that he would become terrified when this would occur to him, sometimes he would break down on the field, and watching happen every time was more and more gut wrenching, because despite even being completely confused in those moments, he was aware of what had taken place, and there’s nothing he could do to keep it from happeneing. Never got angry, never got violent, it was always an emotional experience for him. It was my dream to play professionally one day, and this experience made me step away from the game altogether.

He probably has CTE.

Sad, the world forgets about these guys as soon as they're doing playing. Not only that but judge them the moment they end up in trouble. Some people will never understand and thats ok, but don't be an imbecile and judge someone if you never walked a mile in their shoes.

It’s even more sad to watch this now that he’s gone. There’s so much foreshadowing in this interview. He was in so much pain due to football but at least he isn’t suffering anymore. RIP Keith Mccants

Damn... It makes me feel guilty for being a fan, I don't think I can watch it anymore after watching this.

OK, I was NOT ready for this video just now.... Stay strong, Keith. Stay strong.

The nfl doesn’t care about their players health it’s all about money in their pockets for them period.

Whos here after his unfortunate passing? 😞

Man just died from an OD , came back to this video to remind myself of his story… so sad RIP kieth 🙏🏼

Rest in Peace Mr. McCants...so sorry to hear about your story

Rip Keith, I remember watching this video years ago hoping you were okay and fought those demons. Rest easy king

On 30 for 30 “Broke” I knew McCants was high on something then but he seems to be more coherent in this interview, glad to see him in recovery mode.

This sounds like the PTSD our veterans suffer 💔 my heart goes out to him and everyone suffering like this . Profit should not equal pain.