HELENA, Mont. -- Current ESPN analyst, Montana native and former NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf will speak with Carroll College student-athletes about overcoming his personal struggles this Thursday at 12:45 p.m. in the PE Center. 

Leaf, 43, is a former NFL football player and current ESPN analyst. Ryan Leaf joined ESPN in 2019, and will call games on ESPN2 and ESPNU this season. He is also a regular contributor on SportsCenter and College Football Live. Before ESPN, Leaf was a studio and game analyst for the Pac-12 Network. 

The former quarterback had a stellar career at Washington State, which included Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year (1997), First Team All-American, Sammy Baugh Quarterback of the Year, and Heisman Trophy finalist. He also led the Cougars to the '97 Rose Bowl. Leaf was selected No. 2 overall in the 1998 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers, and spent four years in the league.

Leaf has been open about his personal struggles following his professional playing career, and now shares his message and lessons as a motivational speaker. An advocate for those struggling with mental, and behavioral health issues and encourages audiences to transform the way we think about mental health issues and addiction. Ryan works to eliminate the mental health stigma and says, "asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness." The strong presence Ryan holds in a room is not just due to his 6-foot-7 frame, but the impassioned commitment he has made to serve those who are struggling.

In addition to his role at ESPN, he hosts a Pac-12 radio show on Sirius XM. Leaf resides in California with his wife and son.