Losing the Game, Finding Yourself with Montee Ball Jr.

Thriving with Addiction with Dr. Jonathan Avery
Episode Title: Losing the Game, Finding Yourself with Montee Ball Jr.
Air Date: February 17, 2026

Episode Overview

In this deeply personal and insightful episode, Dr. Jonathan Avery interviews Montee Ball Jr., a legendary college football running back and NFL player whose journey has transitioned from athletic stardom to recovery and advocacy in the field of addiction and mental health. Together, they explore themes of familial legacy, sports pressure, substance use, recovery, and how personal setbacks can become opportunities for profound self-discovery and service.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Early Life, Family, and Love for Football

[02:10 - 06:17]

Montee shares that his athletic roots came from both parents: his mom was a talented track runner, and his dad played high school football.
From an early age, Montee aspired to play for the Denver Broncos, inspired by childhood moments with his dad.
He faced initial hurdles due to league weight restrictions in Little League, starting as a linebacker before moving to running back at age 12.
The family invested significant time, energy, and resources to support his training and ambitions.

"I wanted to make my dad excited. I wanted to be a football player. And so I told him I want to be a running back for the Denver Broncos at the age of eight."
— Montee Ball Jr. [02:21]

Family Substance Use & Support

[05:57 - 09:29]

Montee opens up about the multi-generational dimension of addiction in his family. His father is a proud recovering alcoholic who began his sobriety at 21, before Montee was old enough to witness his drinking.
His father’s experience and advice became crucial as Montee began facing his own struggles.
Montee emphasizes the importance of his family support system throughout his journey.

"My father is someone, it's very, very important in my recovery journey... They, they, they helped me whenever I was on the ground, picked me up and got me into treatment."
— Montee Ball Jr. [07:06]

Rise to Football Stardom & Escalating Pressure

[09:29 - 13:03]

During high school, Montee realized his professional potential after a standout junior year.
His family continued investing in his athletic development, leading him to University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he felt the atmosphere and program were a perfect fit.
The episode discusses pressures of being in high-profile sports, both in high school and college.

"It was this fishbowl experience… you’re kind of carrying a torch that a young kid doesn’t understand that they’re carrying until they do."
— Montee Ball Jr. [14:32]

Initiation and Escalation of Substance Use

[13:03 - 15:24]

Montee used alcohol occasionally in high school, but it was not a priority given his ambitions.
College amplified pressure, anxiety, and his relationship with alcohol, although his athletic achievements masked underlying issues.

"There was this feedback loop of, well, obviously nothing’s wrong… I'm still accomplishing my dreams... See, I told you nothing’s wrong. You know, it was LA called."
— Montee Ball Jr. [23:40]

Turning Points: Professional Success and Personal Crisis

[15:40 - 23:40]

Montee details his journey from understudy to star at Wisconsin, culminating in a stellar college career and his dream of being drafted by his childhood team, the Denver Broncos.
Despite achieving his dreams, unaddressed addiction persisted, with increased intensity in the NFL due to sudden wealth, fame, and freedom.

"It was almost as if I packed my alcoholism up as well in my suitcase and took off to Denver."
— Montee Ball Jr. [23:40]

Rock Bottom and Recovery

[25:33 - 30:46]

A legal incident following his NFL career—specifically a domestic altercation—prompted Montee’s wake-up call. Watching his former team win the Super Bowl from jail was a deeply humbling moment.
His family staged an intervention, leading him to enter intensive outpatient treatment, followed by extended therapy.

"I spent the weekend in jail in Madison…ended up watching the Denver Broncos win Super Bowl 50...That was not a great feeling, but something I needed to experience because I needed a wake-up call."
— Montee Ball Jr. [26:56]

Identity, Therapy, and Lasting Change

[29:05 - 33:07]

Therapy became crucial to Montee’s healing—not just addressing substance use but helping him rebuild identity after football.
He experienced a period of crisis and disorientation, not knowing who he was without football, but emerged more self-aware and committed to service.

"Service is my medicine…If I were to say who I am today, I’m someone who loves to give service, love to be of service to those in recovery, those in their mental health journey, whatever that may be. That’s who I am."
— Montee Ball Jr. [31:18]

Redemption, Advocacy, and New Legacy

[33:07 - 36:31]

Montee now works in business development within the mental health space, connecting people to resources and advocating for culturally appropriate care.
Returning to the football world through College Football Hall of Fame honors, he finds satisfaction in being recognized for both his athletic and personal growth.
He speaks candidly about the rising pressure on youth today and aims to use his platform to encourage vulnerability and seeking help.

"What we’re seeing, of course, with our youth is they’re facing so much pressure because they’re just so nervous about making mistakes…They’re facing so much pressure...that’s putting them in the directions of self-medicating."
— Montee Ball Jr. [34:30]

Fatherhood and Motivation

[34:49 - 35:58]

Becoming a father was transformative for Montee, coinciding directly with his early recovery.
He expresses deep gratitude for his family, co-parenting relationship, and being able to set a new example for his son.

"My son, Maverick, was huge in my recovery journey...I can’t wait to have that conversation with him."
— Montee Ball Jr. [35:11]

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

On Being Drafted by the Broncos:
"That was honestly a dream come true. And so although my career was cut short...many things I would change. But my goodness, what a journey." [22:21]
On Shame and Self-Reflection:
"Alcohol...was changing who I was, literally...My family was huge in my recovery journey." [27:14]
On Therapy:
"I was under the impression that therapy was...I was gonna have so many conversations with my therapist about alcohol. No, 95% of the conversations were about my relationships with people and myself." [29:05]
On Service and Purpose:
"Service is my medicine...I’m proud of it." [31:18]

Timestamps for Key Segments

[02:10] — Montee’s family background and football origins
[05:57] — Substance use in the family and role in recovery
[09:29] — Realizing football potential and family support
[13:03] — Early substance use and collegiate pressures
[15:40] — College breakout, NFL draft journey, and dream realized
[23:40] — Alcohol’s escalation and impact in the NFL
[25:33] — The legal incident and bottom point
[28:59] — Recovery journey: family, treatment, therapy
[30:51] — Rebuilding identity and finding purpose in service
[33:36] — Returning to football as a changed man, mental health advocacy
[34:49] — Fatherhood as inspiration and ongoing motivation

Final Reflections

This episode powerfully explores the intersection of athletic success, addiction, loss, and recovery. Montee Ball Jr.’s candidness about his struggles—and the role of family, therapy, and service in his ongoing journey—offers deep insights for anyone navigating substance use, identity loss, or tough transitions. His story is both a cautionary tale and a beacon of hope, making this episode a valuable resource for individuals, families, and professionals in the addiction and mental health space.

Thriving with Addiction with Dr. Jonathan Avery
Episode Title: Losing the Game, Finding Yourself with Montee Ball Jr.
Air Date: February 17, 2026

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Early Life, Family, and Love for Football

[02:10 - 06:17]

Montee shares that his athletic roots came from both parents: his mom was a talented track runner, and his dad played high school football.
From an early age, Montee aspired to play for the Denver Broncos, inspired by childhood moments with his dad.
He faced initial hurdles due to league weight restrictions in Little League, starting as a linebacker before moving to running back at age 12.
The family invested significant time, energy, and resources to support his training and ambitions.

"I wanted to make my dad excited. I wanted to be a football player. And so I told him I want to be a running back for the Denver Broncos at the age of eight."
— Montee Ball Jr. [02:21]

Family Substance Use & Support

[05:57 - 09:29]

Montee opens up about the multi-generational dimension of addiction in his family. His father is a proud recovering alcoholic who began his sobriety at 21, before Montee was old enough to witness his drinking.
His father’s experience and advice became crucial as Montee began facing his own struggles.
Montee emphasizes the importance of his family support system throughout his journey.

"My father is someone, it's very, very important in my recovery journey... They, they, they helped me whenever I was on the ground, picked me up and got me into treatment."
— Montee Ball Jr. [07:06]

Rise to Football Stardom & Escalating Pressure

[09:29 - 13:03]

During high school, Montee realized his professional potential after a standout junior year.
His family continued investing in his athletic development, leading him to University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he felt the atmosphere and program were a perfect fit.
The episode discusses pressures of being in high-profile sports, both in high school and college.

"It was this fishbowl experience… you’re kind of carrying a torch that a young kid doesn’t understand that they’re carrying until they do."
— Montee Ball Jr. [14:32]

Initiation and Escalation of Substance Use

[13:03 - 15:24]

Montee used alcohol occasionally in high school, but it was not a priority given his ambitions.
College amplified pressure, anxiety, and his relationship with alcohol, although his athletic achievements masked underlying issues.

"There was this feedback loop of, well, obviously nothing’s wrong… I'm still accomplishing my dreams... See, I told you nothing’s wrong. You know, it was LA called."
— Montee Ball Jr. [23:40]

Turning Points: Professional Success and Personal Crisis

[15:40 - 23:40]

Montee details his journey from understudy to star at Wisconsin, culminating in a stellar college career and his dream of being drafted by his childhood team, the Denver Broncos.
Despite achieving his dreams, unaddressed addiction persisted, with increased intensity in the NFL due to sudden wealth, fame, and freedom.

"It was almost as if I packed my alcoholism up as well in my suitcase and took off to Denver."
— Montee Ball Jr. [23:40]

Rock Bottom and Recovery

[25:33 - 30:46]

A legal incident following his NFL career—specifically a domestic altercation—prompted Montee’s wake-up call. Watching his former team win the Super Bowl from jail was a deeply humbling moment.
His family staged an intervention, leading him to enter intensive outpatient treatment, followed by extended therapy.

"I spent the weekend in jail in Madison…ended up watching the Denver Broncos win Super Bowl 50...That was not a great feeling, but something I needed to experience because I needed a wake-up call."
— Montee Ball Jr. [26:56]

Identity, Therapy, and Lasting Change

[29:05 - 33:07]

Therapy became crucial to Montee’s healing—not just addressing substance use but helping him rebuild identity after football.
He experienced a period of crisis and disorientation, not knowing who he was without football, but emerged more self-aware and committed to service.

"Service is my medicine…If I were to say who I am today, I’m someone who loves to give service, love to be of service to those in recovery, those in their mental health journey, whatever that may be. That’s who I am."
— Montee Ball Jr. [31:18]

Redemption, Advocacy, and New Legacy

[33:07 - 36:31]

Montee now works in business development within the mental health space, connecting people to resources and advocating for culturally appropriate care.
Returning to the football world through College Football Hall of Fame honors, he finds satisfaction in being recognized for both his athletic and personal growth.
He speaks candidly about the rising pressure on youth today and aims to use his platform to encourage vulnerability and seeking help.

"What we’re seeing, of course, with our youth is they’re facing so much pressure because they’re just so nervous about making mistakes…They’re facing so much pressure...that’s putting them in the directions of self-medicating."
— Montee Ball Jr. [34:30]

Fatherhood and Motivation

[34:49 - 35:58]

Becoming a father was transformative for Montee, coinciding directly with his early recovery.
He expresses deep gratitude for his family, co-parenting relationship, and being able to set a new example for his son.

"My son, Maverick, was huge in my recovery journey...I can’t wait to have that conversation with him."
— Montee Ball Jr. [35:11]

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

On Being Drafted by the Broncos:
"That was honestly a dream come true. And so although my career was cut short...many things I would change. But my goodness, what a journey." [22:21]
On Shame and Self-Reflection:
"Alcohol...was changing who I was, literally...My family was huge in my recovery journey." [27:14]
On Therapy:
"I was under the impression that therapy was...I was gonna have so many conversations with my therapist about alcohol. No, 95% of the conversations were about my relationships with people and myself." [29:05]
On Service and Purpose:
"Service is my medicine...I’m proud of it." [31:18]

Timestamps for Key Segments

[02:10] — Montee’s family background and football origins
[05:57] — Substance use in the family and role in recovery
[09:29] — Realizing football potential and family support
[13:03] — Early substance use and collegiate pressures
[15:40] — College breakout, NFL draft journey, and dream realized
[23:40] — Alcohol’s escalation and impact in the NFL
[25:33] — The legal incident and bottom point
[28:59] — Recovery journey: family, treatment, therapy
[30:51] — Rebuilding identity and finding purpose in service
[33:36] — Returning to football as a changed man, mental health advocacy
[34:49] — Fatherhood as inspiration and ongoing motivation

wavePod

Summary

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Early Life, Family, and Love for Football

Family Substance Use & Support

Rise to Football Stardom & Escalating Pressure

Initiation and Escalation of Substance Use

Turning Points: Professional Success and Personal Crisis

Rock Bottom and Recovery

Identity, Therapy, and Lasting Change

Redemption, Advocacy, and New Legacy

Fatherhood and Motivation

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Final Reflections

Summary

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Early Life, Family, and Love for Football

Family Substance Use & Support

Rise to Football Stardom & Escalating Pressure

Initiation and Escalation of Substance Use

Turning Points: Professional Success and Personal Crisis

Rock Bottom and Recovery

Identity, Therapy, and Lasting Change

Redemption, Advocacy, and New Legacy

Fatherhood and Motivation

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Final Reflections