Randy Grimes
A former professional football player whose career spanned 10 years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Randy Grimes spent 20+ years battling an addiction to pain killers developed while treating career- related injuries. He now uses his inspiring story of recovery and his 12+ years in the addictions industry to help victims of drug and alcohol abuse, as an Interventionist and the founding advocate at Pro Athletes In Recovery.
In 2012, Randy launched “Pro Athletes in Recovery,” a program designed to help athletes of all levels and anyone else find treatment for addiction and mental health, while offering continued support for those already in recovery. Due to the success of Pro Athletes in Recovery, Randy has partnered with the NFL, NHL, Gridiron Greats, After The Impact Fund, MLB, Baseball Assistance Fund, The Jockeys Guild, MMA, PGA, LPGA, NBA and a host of collegiate programs to bring further awareness and treatment services to professional and collegiate athletes and their families. As a result, 100’s of former professional and collegiate athletes, as well as 100’s of non athletes have since been treated. Randy’s passion does not end with athletes; he is committed to helping all families find balance and peace of mind. Randy believes that “when families get well, addicts get well.” Randy has performed countless interventions across the U.S. and in five countries—bringing hope and healing when all seemed lost.
Randy has been an exemplary ambassador and example of the power of professional treatment. Married for 39 years to his college sweetheart, Lydia, who is also a Certified Family Addiction Coach, they have two children and four grandchildren. Randy is regularly a commentator on numerous national TV networks and media including NFL Network, Anderson Cooper, Father Albert, CNN, Fox Sports, MSNBC, Fox News, SiriusXM Sports, New York Times, New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and countless others. He has also authored a book titled “Off Center”. A memoir of his career and addiction journey. His “Never Give Up” attitude translates from the gridiron to recovery. On his recovery, Randy states: “God didn’t open the gates of heaven and let me in....He opened the gates of hell and let me out!”