Travis Kelce, a prominent tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, has achieved great success in the NFL. However, his journey wasn’t without setbacks. In college, Kelce faced a suspension due to a failed drug test. Reflecting on his experience, Kelce now believes that a significant portion of NFL players, ranging from half to potentially even a clear majority, are using cannabis—the same substance that caused his suspension.

Introduction

The rising trend of recreational marijuana legalization in the United States has prompted discussions on cannabis use within professional sports leagues. Travis Kelce, known for his skills and accomplishments, recently shared his thoughts on the prevalence of cannabis use among NFL players in an interview with Vanity Fair. He revealed his embarrassment regarding his past suspension but expressed confidence that many of his peers are now taking advantage of the NFL’s more relaxed stance on marijuana use.

Travis Kelce’s suspension and cannabis use

During Kelce’s college years at Cincinnati, he experienced the consequences of failing a drug test and subsequently faced suspension. This incident caused him great embarrassment. However, as marijuana legislation continues to evolve, Kelce believes that the attitudes towards cannabis use in the NFL have changed significantly.

Travis Kelce’s college suspension

Travis Kelce’s suspension during his college career was a result of a failed drug test. The incident served as a turning point in his perspective on cannabis use and the consequences associated with it. The embarrassment he felt during that period has driven him to shed light on the prevalence of cannabis use among NFL players.

Perception of cannabis use in the NFL

Kelce’s experience sheds light on the evolving perception of cannabis use in the NFL. In the past, failed drug tests and subsequent suspensions were more common. However, with the increasing acceptance of marijuana, both medicinally and recreationally, Kelce believes that many players now engage in its use without the fear of severe consequences.

NFL’s revised rules on marijuana testing

In 2021, the NFL revised its rules regarding marijuana testing, implementing more lenient policies. Under the current guidelines, players are subject to a single annual marijuana test at the beginning of training camp. This revision marked a significant departure from the previous rules that imposed suspensions for repeated violations.

Single annual marijuana test

The NFL’s revised policy now requires players to undergo only one marijuana test per year. This change reflects a more relaxed approach towards cannabis use in the league. While the league still discourages the use of marijuana, the severity of penalties has been significantly reduced.

Looser rules and implications

The looser rules surrounding marijuana testing in the NFL have led to a shift in the behavior of players. Travis Kelce pointed out that due to the single annual test and the physical exertion during training camp, many players time their cannabis use accordingly. Kelce estimates that approximately 50 to 80 percent of the league’s over 1,600 players currently use cannabis.

Travis Kelce’s estimation on NFL players’ cannabis use

Travis Kelce’s estimation of cannabis usage among NFL players brings attention to the prevalence of its use in the league. According to Kelce, a significant number of players engage in cannabis use, taking advantage of the more relaxed rules and the limited annual testing.

Kelce’s estimation of 50 to 80 percent

Travis Kelce’s estimation suggests that anywhere from 50 to 80 percent of NFL players use cannabis. This estimation highlights the substantial number of players who incorporate cannabis into their routines, relying on factors such as timing and physical exertion to avoid detection during the single annual test.

Similar claims from other notable players

Kelce’s estimation aligns with previous claims made by other notable NFL players. Former tight end Martellus Bennett once stated that “89 percent” of players use marijuana, while former running back Ricky Williams, who faced multiple drug-related suspensions, suggested “at least 80 percent” of players engaged in cannabis use. The convergence of these claims further supports the notion that cannabis use is prevalent among NFL players.

Changing perceptions and investments

As attitudes towards cannabis use continue to evolve, retired NFL players have started investing in medical or recreational cannabis companies. Players such as Ricky Williams, Marshawn Lynch, Tiki Barber, and Calvin Johnson have all entered the cannabis industry. Their investments indicate a changing perception of cannabis and the increasing acceptance of its use.

Retired players investing in cannabis companies

Notable retired players, including Ricky Williams, Marshawn Lynch, Tiki Barber, and Calvin Johnson, have diversified their interests by investing in medical or recreational cannabis companies. This trend showcases the growing recognition of the potential benefits and business opportunities within the cannabis industry.

Shifting attitudes towards cannabis use

The investments made by retired players highlight the shifting attitudes towards cannabis use in the NFL. As more states legalize marijuana and public opinion leans towards acceptance, players and investors are becoming more comfortable associating themselves with the industry. This change reflects a broader societal shift regarding the perception of cannabis.

Conclusion

Travis Kelce’s estimation of the prevalence of cannabis use among NFL players sheds light on the evolving landscape surrounding marijuana within the league. With looser rules and a single annual test, a significant number of players are incorporating cannabis into their routines. The changing perceptions and investments made by retired players also indicate a shift towards greater acceptance and recognition of cannabis’s potential benefits.

FAQs

1. Are NFL players allowed to use cannabis?

Under the current NFL rules, players are subject to a single annual marijuana test, and the league has implemented more lenient policies regarding cannabis use. While the NFL still discourages its use, the penalties for positive tests have been significantly reduced.

2. What percentage of NFL players use cannabis?

According to Travis Kelce, a prominent NFL player, approximately 50 to 80 percent of NFL players are estimated to use cannabis. This estimation aligns with claims made by other notable players and highlights the prevalence of cannabis use within the league.

3. Are there any former NFL players involved in the cannabis industry?

Yes, several retired NFL players, including Ricky Williams, Marshawn Lynch, Tiki Barber, and Calvin Johnson, have invested in medical or recreational cannabis companies. Their involvement indicates a changing perception of cannabis and the increasing acceptance of its use.

4. How has the perception of cannabis use in the NFL changed over time?

The perception of cannabis use in the NFL has evolved over time. Previously, failed drug tests and subsequent suspensions were more common. However, with the increasing acceptance of marijuana, both medicinally and recreationally, the league has adopted more lenient policies, resulting in a shift towards greater acceptance and recognition of cannabis’s potential benefits.

5. How has Travis Kelce’s personal experience influenced his views on cannabis use?

Travis Kelce’s personal experience of facing suspension due to a failed drug test during college has influenced his perspective on cannabis use. He has since become more open about the prevalence of cannabis use among NFL players and believes that many of his peers take advantage of the league’s looser rules regarding marijuana.