NFL Star Ray Lucas Uses His Personal Story To Help Student Athletes

Ray Lucas, a resident of Harrison, NJ, and former professional football player for the New York Jets, has taken on a new and vital role off the field. Lucas, who enjoyed a successful career in the National Football League (NFL), is now dedicating his time to building awareness among high school students about the dangers of opioid-based prescription pain medication. His personal experiences and commitment to this cause have made him a powerful advocate in the fight against opioid addiction. 

Ray Lucas' football career is a testament to his perseverance and talent. Born and raised in Harrison, Lucas attended Rutgers University, where he was a standout quarterback before making his way to the NFL. He played for several teams, most notably the New York Jets, where he earned a reputation for his leadership and toughness on the field. After retiring from professional football, Lucas transitioned into broadcasting, becoming a familiar face as a sports analyst. He continues to be sought for his sports knowledge on broadcasts on a part-time basis but his full-time job is as the Executive Director of the Harrison Housing Authority which operates the federally subsidized Harrison Gardens Housing Complex. Lucas is also a Commissioner of the Harrison Redevelopment Agency, an unpaid position.

Lucas' life took a challenging turn when he faced his battle with prescription pill opioid addiction. Like many athletes, Lucas was prescribed pain medication to manage injuries sustained during his playing days. Unfortunately, this led to a struggle with addiction, a battle that he eventually overcame. Now, Lucas is using his personal experience to help others avoid the pitfalls of prescription pain pills. 

Recently, Ray Lucas was featured on NJ Spotlight News with anchor Briana Vannozzi, where he spoke about his involvement with the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ). Ted Goldberg reported for NJ Spotlight News.  As part of this partnership, Lucas will be visiting this year ten high schools across the state, sharing his story and educating students about the risks associated with opioid use. His goal is to prevent young people from falling into the same trap that nearly derailed his life. The program is called Knock Out Opioids.

The importance of Lucas' message is underscored by the endorsement of Partnership for a Drug-Free NJ Executive Director Angelo Valente, who stated that Lucas "has the ability to connect with young people having had the same experiences that many of [them] have." Valente's words highlight Lucas' unique position to reach and resonate with the youth, thanks to his personal journey and status as a former professional athlete. 

Bill Koch, Athletic Director of Jefferson Township High School, echoed this sentiment, noting that Lucas is "someone you can aspire to be but look up to as learning from their experiences makes it more real." Koch emphasized that Lucas' authenticity and honesty make his message particularly impactful, showing students that addiction can affect anyone, regardless of their success or athletic prowess. 

Ray Lucas' work with the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey is a reminder that the opioid crisis is far from over and that education and awareness are key to preventing future tragedies. By sharing his story, Lucas hopes to empower students to make informed decisions and recognize that addiction can happen to anyone, at any age, including outstanding athletes. His efforts are a vital part of the ongoing battle against opioid addiction, and his message is one that resonates deeply with young people across New Jersey. 

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