Episode 4: Ryan Leaf's Mom

08/16/22 • 73 min

Ryan Leaf was an All-American quarterback at Washington State University. He was the No. 2 overall NFL Draft pick by the San Diego Chargers in 1998. A few years later, he was known as the No. 1 overall NFL Draft bust.
Much has been written about the small town, big-armed quarterback from Montana who went from living out his dream to enduring life in prison. Today, we hear a uniquely intimate perspective on that journey, as Ryan's mom joins the show.

Marcia Leaf tells Ashley and Lisa about some of the joyful moments, like the time she crowd-surfed at one of Ryan's games. She also opens up about some of her most painful memories and regrets, including being in denial as Ryan struggled with drug addiction.

Today, Ryan advocates for those struggling with mental and behavioral health issues. He’s found purpose in his career as a college football analyst and - more importantly - in his role as a father.

Come listen to this emotional journey like you've never heard it before. Through the eyes of Ryan's mom.

26:30- Ryan's phone call to Peyton Manning in college
28:08- Marcia crowd surfing.
31:50 - The significance of Ryan asking his dad to tie his tie.
51:00 - Marcia explains why prison was the best thing that happened to her son.
52:40 - Marcia describes her Sunday “prison hangovers”
54:50- The change she saw in Ryan after he got out of prison
1:02:32- The one thing Marcia would change, as a mother, if she could go back in time and do it all again.
1:07:32 - What Ryan says is his favorite thing about Marcia.

Psst...our merch store is live! yourmom.co/shop

Today, Ryan advocates for those struggling with mental and behavioral health issues. He’s found purpose in his career as a college football analyst and - more importantly - in his role as a father.

Come listen to this emotional journey like you've never heard it before. Through the eyes of Ryan's mom.

Psst...our merch store is live! yourmom.co/shop

Previous Episode

Episode 3: Your Mom's Preseason Blues

Football season is upon us and that means one thing. Stress for Lisa McCaffrey. Ashley and Lisa discuss what it's like for moms and wives of coaches and athletes as football season begins, how involved parents are with teams at the pro level, what Christian's mindset is coming off injuries and what chance there is the McCaffrey's have a reality TV show (yes, this idea has been floated out there). Plus, you may have heard of Big Mama's House, but you haven't heard a story about Big Mama like this!

2:20 - What Lisa's life is like when football starts
10:45 - Watching Christian battle back from injury
28:00 - Looking ahead to preseason and what kind of involvement there is from parents
43:00 - The Story of Big Mama

Psst...our merch store is live! yourmom.co/shop

Next Episode

Episode 5: The Earring, The Guilt and The Peregrine Falcon

What do "mom guilt," Hello Fresh and Peregrine falcons have in common? Your Mom! This week Ashley and Lisa discuss how to handle "mom guilt," reminisce on the Pac-12 Networks' 10-year anniversary and how Ashley is the "queen of the Pac-12 Network," tell stories about Ed McCaffrey you won't hear anywhere else and Lisa talks about Christian's most memorable game.

If you'd like to reach out or get your questions answered contact Ashley (@adamsonashley) and Lisa (@lisamccaffrey) on social media!

11:35 - Mom Guilt
20:15 - Reflecting on 10 years at the Pac-12 Networks
24:50 - Ed McCaffrey attempting to cook with Hello Fresh
27:00 - The Peregrine falcon
38:21 - Christian McCaffrey's most memorable game

Psst...our merch store is live! yourmom.co/shop