by Kristina Etter | Jun 24, 2024
Kyle Turley – Pro Athlete to Pro Advocate
Kyle Turley is not your average retired NFL player. Born in Provo, Utah, in 1975, Turley carved out a notable career as an offensive lineman with the New Orleans Saints from 1998 to 2002, later playing for the St. Louis Rams and Kansas City Chiefs. Known for his fierce play on the field and his outspoken personality off it, Turley’s journey didn’t end with football.
After hanging up his cleats, Kyle Turley became a passionate advocate for medical cannabis, drawing from his own battles with injuries and the effects of repeated head trauma, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). He’s turned his personal struggles into a mission, championing the benefits of cannabis for pain management and neurological health, especially for his fellow athletes.
Now, in partnership with former NFL players Eben Britton and Jim McMahon, Kyle Turley also has his own cannabis brand, Revenant, in Missouri. His transition from NFL star to cannabis advocate and musician showcases a remarkable commitment to causes close to his heart, like player health and alternative medicine.
Football, Fame, and Cannabis Persecution
I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Kyle to discuss the ongoing and unfair prosecution of NFL players and cannabis use. Our discussion centered around the recent arrests of Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackles Wanya Morris and Chukwuebuka Jason Godrick, who were charged with misdemeanor marijuana possession in Kansas—a state where cannabis remains illegal.
The absurdity of their situation was starkly highlighted by the fact that just a few blocks away, across the state line in Kansas City, Missouri, cannabis is perfectly legal. This geographical discrepancy accentuates the irrationality of cannabis laws in the United States and the unnecessary persecution of individuals for activities deemed lawful in neighboring jurisdictions.
Our conversation revealed the ludicrous notion that these players could face serious legal consequences simply for being “on the wrong side of town.” It’s a poignant reminder of the need for a unified, rational approach to cannabis legislation—one that acknowledges the medicinal and recreational benefits of the plant and prevents the unnecessary criminalization of individuals, particularly those like Morris and Godrick, who contribute significantly to their communities and professions.
Turley, who has long advocated for cannabis as a safer alternative to opioids for pain management in professional sports, shared his insights on how these outdated laws not only harm players but also perpetuate a cycle of stigma and misunderstanding.
[Project Champion]
[Project Champion] is on a mission to mobilize single-issue cannabis voters and drive significant change in cannabis legislation. The organization aims to ensure that every pro-cannabis voice is heard and empowered by focusing on voter engagement and education. They provide comprehensive insights into issues like product affordability, quality, and safety, helping to create a well-informed electorate ready to influence policy at the polls.
Combining grassroots organizing with advanced technology, [Project Champion] seeks to increase voter turnout by at least 10% in every race it joins. Beyond advocating for legalization, it aspires to redefine political activism and set a new standard for representing the interests of cannabis supporters.
Kyle Turley’s involvement in [Project Champion] is marked by his passion for mobilizing single-issue cannabis voters, educating the public on critical legislative issues, and fostering a well-informed electorate. Through his efforts, he aims to increase voter turnout, challenge outdated cannabis policies, and ensure that the voices of cannabis supporters are heard and represented at all levels of government.
Cannabis IS Medicine
If we’ve learned anything since the announcement of the potential reclassification of cannabis, it’s that cannabis is medicine. The DEA admitted it. Biden admitted it and even took it one step further to say that no one should be in jail for marijuana (although, thus far, nothing has changed).
As a cannabis advocate and patient, I am grateful for those like Turley who can use their massive platforms to influence policy and bring people together over a common goal. I find it refreshing to listen to his blunt talk about embracing cannabis and knowing first-hand how right he is.
While we’re still on the defense and have many more opponents to tackle, knowing Kyle Turley is on our offensive line is reassuring.
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