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Chiefs’ star tight end Travis Kelce opened up about the prevalence of cannabis use among NFL players, estimating that anywhere from 50% to as high as 80% of players in the league use the substance.
In an interview on Vanity Fair, Kelce shed light on the evolving landscape of marijuana consumption within professional sports and the impact of relaxed regulations.
Kelce’s perspective on the matter is particularly significant due to his personal experience with a drug-related suspension during his college career at the University of Cincinnati. In 2010, he tested positive for marijuana in a random test conducted the day before the Sugar Bowl, resulting in a one-year suspension.
Reflecting on that incident, Kelce expressed he was “so embarrassed”.
The NFL’s marijuana policy underwent revisions in 2021, eliminating suspensions for positive tests and reducing the frequency of testing. Currently, players are subject to a single annual marijuana test conducted during a two-week window at the beginning of training camp.
This policy shift, combined with the increasing acceptance of recreational marijuana legalization across the United States, has created an environment where players can more easily avoid league discipline for cannabis use.
Kelce explained that many players strategically time their marijuana usage, ceasing consumption in the middle of July to ensure they pass the drug test at the start of training camp.
He suggested that the intense physical activity during summer workouts, which leads to increased sweating, can contribute to players passing the test even if they had used cannabis a week prior.
According to Kelce’s estimates, a substantial majority of the NFL’s 1,600+ players engage in cannabis use under the current regulations.
Notably, several retired players, including Ricky Williams, Tiki Barber, Calvin Johnson, and Marshawn Lynch, have ventured into the cannabis industry by investing in medical or recreational cannabis companies or advocating for its use.
Kelce’s remarks contribute to the ongoing discussion surrounding the NFL’s drug policies and their alignment with the changing public perception of cannabis. As more states embrace the legalization of marijuana, there is growing debate about the effectiveness and fairness of punitive measures for its use in professional sports.
The revelations by Kelce and other notable figures highlight the potential need for a more progressive approach that prioritizes player well-being and aligns with evolving societal attitudes.