FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  December 11, 2025
Contacts: Lisa Batitto, news@drugfreenj.org
Paul Brubaker, 973-803-6983

Former NFL Quarterback Ray Lucas Engages Newark Students In Real Talk About Opioid Addiction

Newark, NJ — Former NFL quarterback Ray Lucas knows a lot about pain.  He sustained many serious injuries during his pro football career. Since leaving the game, he has spoken openly and often about the pain of his opioid addiction and his recovery. But when Lucas came to Newark on Monday, one student’s testimony brought him to tears.

“I used to be addicted to painkillers. It was very bad,” the student said. The 16-year-old said that he still feels ashamed of his addiction and asked Lucas how he was able to be brave enough to share his story publicly.

“I am in awe of you,” the student said.

The words seemed to stun former quarterback. He took a moment to collect himself. 

“Brave is something I haven’t heard in a very, very long time,” said Lucas. “I don’t consider myself brave. I consider myself honest.”

Honesty was the bedrock of Lucas’ talk, which was presented by the district, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey, and New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association. The students who attended represented Barringer High School, the Newark School of Data Science & Information Technology, and Newark Vocational High School. Event organizers chose the three high schools because they had determined that the areas surrounding these schools had the highest rates of opioid addiction within the city.

“For you to have done what you did requires courage,” said Superintendent León, speaking directly to the student who spoke about his addiction. “It takes a lot of courage to say I have a problem, and then – more importantly –  to actually do something about it.” The audience applauded, and the Superintendent recognized the student again. “That’s how much power you have.”

The Superintendent also made sure the students knew that help is available for them if they struggle with a drug problem.

“In every single one of our schools, I have somebody who is supposed to be there and do what I would do if I were your principal,” he said. In addition to school principals, substance awareness coordinators are also available to students, he said.

Lucas began his eight years in the NFL in 1996 when he signed with the New England Patriots after coming out of Rutgers University as an undrafted free agent. In 1999, he became the starting quarterback for the New York Jets. He later played for the Miami Dolphins before joining the Baltimore Ravens in 2003, when his injuries forced him to retire before the season began.

Those injuries – including a rotator cuff torn off the bone, a broken collarbone, multiple knee surgeries, and two herniated discs – left him in constant pain. Prescribed large quantities of Vicodin and Percocet, Lucas found himself battling addiction while still trying to live life at full speed.

Today, the Harrison, N.J., native is living a drug- and alcohol-free life. He is married to his high school sweetheart, and together they have raised three daughters and put all three through college.

Newark Board of Education President Hasani K. Council expressed his appreciation of the event.

“When a role model like Ray Lucas shares his own truth, it becomes a moment that can change lives, said Council. “We are committed to ensuring that every one of our students knows they are supported, heard, and never alone in their journey to wellness.”

“Sharing real stories saves real lives,” said Angelo Valente, Executive Director of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey. “Ray Lucas’ honesty, combined with the courage shown by Newark’s students, is exactly what prevention looks like in action. These conversations break stigma, build awareness, and remind young people that recovery is possible, and help is always within reach.”

“At Horizon, we believe that access to behavioral health education and support can change the trajectory of a young person’s life,” said Jonathan Pearson, Senior Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. “We are proud to partner with Newark Public Schools and the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey to bring honest, impactful conversations like this directly to students because prevention, awareness, and early intervention truly matter.”

During the question-and-answer session, one student asked, “How do you help someone who is addicted but doesn’t want help?”

“By any means necessary,” Lucas said. “Don’t ever give up trying. If you need help, ask for help.”

For more information about the initiative, visit

 KnockOutOpioidAbuse.DrugFreeNJ.org

###

Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey: Best known for its statewide substance use prevention advertising campaign, the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey is a private not-for-profit coalition of professionals from the communications, corporate and government communities whose collective mission is to reduce demand for illicit drugs in New Jersey through media communication. To date, more than $200 million in broadcast time and print space has been donated to the Partnership’s New Jersey campaign, making it the largest public service advertising campaign in New Jersey’s history. Since its inception, the Partnership has garnered 232 advertising and public relations awards from national, regional and statewide media organizations.
 

About Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey: Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, the state's oldest and largest health insurer is a tax-paying, not-for-profit health service corporation, providing a wide array of medical, dental, vision and prescription insurance products and services. Horizon BCBSNJ is leading the transformation of health care in New Jersey by working with doctors and hospitals to deliver innovative, patient-centered programs that reward the quality, not quantity, of care patients receive. Learn more at www.HorizonBlue.com. Horizon BCBSNJ is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association serving more than 3.4 million members.

About The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey: The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey is committed to working alongside those who can help us improve our neighbors’ health, inform their health decisions and inspire them to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. The Foundation’s funding pillars are Caring, Connecting and Creating. Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey is the sole member of The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, both of which are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more information, please visit www.Horizonblue.com/Foundation

About the NJSIAA: Established in 1918, the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) is a voluntary, non-profit organization comprised of 436 accredited public and non-public high schools. A member of the National Federation of State High School Associations, the NJSIAA conducts tournaments and crowns champions in 33 sports. Championship competition for girls is sponsored in basketball, bowling, cross country, fencing, field hockey, golf, gymnastics, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, outdoor track, winter track, volleyball, and wrestling. Boys’ championships are determined in baseball, basketball, bowling, cross country, fencing, football, golf, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, tennis, outdoor track, winter track, volleyball, and wrestling.