My hope for Randy Gregory

[Bobhaze]

Like all Cowboys fans, I have been encouraged to see Randy Gregory get another shot to fulfill the big talent he has but has been unable to exhibit so far in his brief career because of violations of the league’s substance policies. Here’s hoping 2018 is a breakout year for #94.

More importantly, my bigger hope for Randy Gregory is to find peace and happiness with or without football. He suffers from bi-polar depression, which is an every day battle for those who suffer from it. Before he can be the star we want him to be on the field, he must first experience the success that comes from consistently treating his condition and doing everything he can to stay committed to that battle.

I have four adult children, and one them battles bi-polar depression every day. And like Randy Gregory, it has been a tough battle. Our daughter is in her early 30s and was diagnosed with bi-polar about 10 years ago. My wife and I have watched helplessly at times as she had both periods of great success (she’s very bright and talented) interspersed with crashes that included broken relationships, substance abuse, loss of employment and financial difficulties. We love her nonetheless, and we continue to support her in her efforts to get her life on track. It hasn’t been easy.

This condition is very hard on friends and family because adults who suffer from this condition must first admit they have this problem and stay committed to treatment. That usually includes staying on a regimented dose of daily medication that keeps the ups and downs in check.

Unfortunately, one of the most common problems associated with BP sufferers is they don’t always like staying on their meds, which can lead to “manic episodes” where they often choose to “self medicate” their feelings inappropriately with alcohol or other substances. They often don’t like the way the prescribed meds make them feel, even though it is their best source of regulating the ups and downs and off course behavior.

As I watch Randy Gregory play this year, I will not only be cheering for him, but will also be saying a silent prayer in hope that he finds the strength every day to battle his BP challenge. Those of us who don’t have that cannot know how difficult it is. But we can respect his hard work to get this far.

If Randy Gregory never gets another sack, but finds that he can overcome this difficult condition, he will have achieved a success way beyond the glory of the football field. Godspeed Randy.

 

[Gridiron Man]

Take your legal substances Randy and stay away from the illegal substances.

Problem solved.

 

[Jipper]

Take your legal substances Randy and stay away from the illegal substances.

Problem solved.

Not that easy....i have 2 parents that are both bipolar and alcoholics....as is said, you will never understand how high the highs are or how low the lows are.

Bipolarism is a disease and it can make you do crazy stuff, drug addiction is also a very serious mental challenge and very difficult to beat. Combining the two can destroy life's.

I know..ive seen it. You can't just say "Just don't do it", it is far more complex.

I'm pulling very hard for Randy g and hope he has found his path through the storm to blue skies

 

[DogFace]

Take your legal substances Randy and stay away from the illegal substances.

Problem solved.

Ill add that’s not really close at all to being that easy. Especially, when the person being treated with invasive hardcore drugs know that the marijuana worked better at treating their problem.

Unfortunately in 2018 we’re still dealing with others imposing their misplaced morality on others.

 

[Rogerthat12]

Like all Cowboys fans, I have been encouraged to see Randy Gregory get another shot to fulfill the big talent he has but has been unable to exhibit so far in his brief career because of violations of the league’s substance policies. Here’s hoping 2018 is a breakout year for #94.

More importantly, my bigger hope for Randy Gregory is to find peace and happiness with or without football. He suffers from bi-polar depression, which is an every day battle for those who suffer from it. Before he can be the star we want him to be on the field, he must first experience the success that comes from consistently treating his condition and doing everything he can to stay committed to that battle.

I have four adult children, and one them battles bi-polar depression every day. And like Randy Gregory, it has been a tough battle. Our daughter is in her early 30s and was diagnosed with bi-polar about 10 years ago. My wife and I have watched helplessly at times as she had both periods of great success (she’s very bright and talented) interspersed with crashes that included broken relationships, substance abuse, loss of employment and financial difficulties. We love her nonetheless, and we continue to support her in her efforts to get her life on track. It hasn’t been easy.

This condition is very hard on friends and family because adults who suffer from this condition must first admit they have this problem and stay committed to treatment. That usually includes staying on a regimented dose of daily medication that keeps the ups and downs in check.

Unfortunately, one of the most common problems associated with BP sufferers is they don’t always like staying on their meds, which can lead to “manic episodes” where they often choose to “self medicate” their feelings inappropriately with alcohol or other substances. They often don’t like the way the prescribed meds make them feel, even though it is their best source of regulating the ups and downs and off course behavior.

As I watch Randy Gregory play this year, I will not only be cheering for him, but will also be saying a silent prayer in hope that he finds the strength every day to battle his BP challenge. Those of us who don’t have that cannot know how difficult it is. But we can respect his hard work to get this far.

If Randy Gregory never gets another sack, but finds that he can overcome this difficult condition, he will have achieved a success way beyond the glory of the football field. Godspeed Randy.

 

[Gridiron Man]

I'm not saying it's easy. I also happen to believe marijuana should be legal not only medically but recreationally too. However, it isn't and the rules are the rules. It is that simple.

I'd also add. If the Cowboys organization did their homework on this and knew it was as difficult and complicated and everyone claims, then why did we take such a high risk when investing a second round pick on a player struggling with these issues.

In the future, I'd like to think that Jerry and company think twice about rolling the dice with something as important as a second round pick.

 

[JW82]

Bi-polar is scary stuff. I hope this kid is in a good place. I had friend who killed himself who suffered from it. I remember thinking when we were young, if he just takes his meds.. In hindsight it's ridiculous to think that someone who's mind is all over the place with ups and downs will make sound logical decisions on their own.

Like all Cowboys fans, I have been encouraged to see Randy Gregory get another shot to fulfill the big talent he has but has been unable to exhibit so far in his brief career because of violations of the league’s substance policies. Here’s hoping 2018 is a breakout year for #94.

More importantly, my bigger hope for Randy Gregory is to find peace and happiness with or without football. He suffers from bi-polar depression, which is an every day battle for those who suffer from it. Before he can be the star we want him to be on the field, he must first experience the success that comes from consistently treating his condition and doing everything he can to stay committed to that battle.

I have four adult children, and one them battles bi-polar depression every day. And like Randy Gregory, it has been a tough battle. Our daughter is in her early 30s and was diagnosed with bi-polar about 10 years ago. My wife and I have watched helplessly at times as she had both periods of great success (she’s very bright and talented) interspersed with crashes that included broken relationships, substance abuse, loss of employment and financial difficulties. We love her nonetheless, and we continue to support her in her efforts to get her life on track. It hasn’t been easy.

This condition is very hard on friends and family because adults who suffer from this condition must first admit they have this problem and stay committed to treatment. That usually includes staying on a regimented dose of daily medication that keeps the ups and downs in check.

Unfortunately, one of the most common problems associated with BP sufferers is they don’t always like staying on their meds, which can lead to “manic episodes” where they often choose to “self medicate” their feelings inappropriately with alcohol or other substances. They often don’t like the way the prescribed meds make them feel, even though it is their best source of regulating the ups and downs and off course behavior.

As I watch Randy Gregory play this year, I will not only be cheering for him, but will also be saying a silent prayer in hope that he finds the strength every day to battle his BP challenge. Those of us who don’t have that cannot know how difficult it is. But we can respect his hard work to get this far.

If Randy Gregory never gets another sack, but finds that he can overcome this difficult condition, he will have achieved a success way beyond the glory of the football field. Godspeed Randy.

 

[Kage]

Bi-polar is scary stuff. I hope this kid is in a good place. I had friend who killed himself who suffered from it. I remember thinking when we were young, if he just takes his meds.. In hindsight it's ridiculous to think that someone who's mind is all over the place with ups and downs will make sound logical decisions on their own.

That's the scary thing. When they are going through the downs, a bad choice might be a "logical" choice, to them.

 

[Stash]

Like all Cowboys fans, I have been encouraged to see Randy Gregory get another shot to fulfill the big talent he has but has been unable to exhibit so far in his brief career because of violations of the league’s substance policies. Here’s hoping 2018 is a breakout year for #94.

More importantly, my bigger hope for Randy Gregory is to find peace and happiness with or without football. He suffers from bi-polar depression, which is an every day battle for those who suffer from it. Before he can be the star we want him to be on the field, he must first experience the success that comes from consistently treating his condition and doing everything he can to stay committed to that battle.

I have four adult children, and one them battles bi-polar depression every day. And like Randy Gregory, it has been a tough battle. Our daughter is in her early 30s and was diagnosed with bi-polar about 10 years ago. My wife and I have watched helplessly at times as she had both periods of great success (she’s very bright and talented) interspersed with crashes that included broken relationships, substance abuse, loss of employment and financial difficulties. We love her nonetheless, and we continue to support her in her efforts to get her life on track. It hasn’t been easy.

This condition is very hard on friends and family because adults who suffer from this condition must first admit they have this problem and stay committed to treatment. That usually includes staying on a regimented dose of daily medication that keeps the ups and downs in check.

Unfortunately, one of the most common problems associated with BP sufferers is they don’t always like staying on their meds, which can lead to “manic episodes” where they often choose to “self medicate” their feelings inappropriately with alcohol or other substances. They often don’t like the way the prescribed meds make them feel, even though it is their best source of regulating the ups and downs and off course behavior.

As I watch Randy Gregory play this year, I will not only be cheering for him, but will also be saying a silent prayer in hope that he finds the strength every day to battle his BP challenge. Those of us who don’t have that cannot know how difficult it is. But we can respect his hard work to get this far.

If Randy Gregory never gets another sack, but finds that he can overcome this difficult condition, he will have achieved a success way beyond the glory of the football field. Godspeed Randy.

A beautiful post. Thanks for sharing your experience and I'll say a prayer for your daughter and all who suffer.

 

[Bobhaze]

Take your legal substances Randy and stay away from the illegal substances.

Problem solved.

If it was only that simple.

 

[TheBigEasy]

They often don’t like the way the prescribed meds make them feel, even though it is their best source of regulating the ups and downs and off course behavior.

I have posted this same thing numerous times in various Gregory threads here and you are EXACTLY right my man. You can't judge a person unless you walk a day in their shoes. Marijuana was/is the only 'drug' that made him feel like himself and not a zombie who lived life without any emotions or lived life without having a personality. I couldn't imagine living life like that. I just wish people would take a step back & try to put themselves in these poor people's shoes before making the derogatory comments that they've made on here.

Great post by the way. You and your wife should be very proud of your efforts throughout your daughter's life. Raising a 'healthy' child, so to speak, is not easy but raising a child who was unfairly given a mental disease such as this one, is on an entirely different level. You're an inspiration to anyone who has been/is a parent. Props to you.

 

[Gridiron Man]

If it was only that simple.

If it's as difficult as you say it is, then the Cowboys have chosen to use their draft picks as charity cases.

 

[Bobhaze]

I'm not saying it's easy. I also happen to believe marijuana should be legal not only medically but recreationally too. However, it isn't and the rules are the rules. It is that simple.

I'd also add. If the Cowboys organization did their homework on this and knew it was as difficult and complicated and everyone claims, then why did we take such a high risk when investing a second round pick on a player struggling with these issues.

In the future, I'd like to think that Jerry and company think twice about rolling the dice with something as important as a second round pick.

I agree with you that taking a risk on a guy like Gregory in round two is foolish. Jerry has an unhealthy fondness for being known as a “wildcatter” instead of just doing smart football moves.

No other GM with normal accountability would make moves like Jerry too often makes. Maybe you strike gold once in a while with a guy like Jaylon Smith (we all still hope so) but taking these kinds of second round high risks is like being around the college kid who gets drunk and thinks he’ll never get hurt. It makes everyone around them uncomfortable. Thankfully I believe Stephen has slowly been reining JJ in and the drafts have improved.

 

[charron]

Glad he is receiving the right help and hope it continues.

 

[JW82]

That's the scary thing. When they are going through the downs, a bad choice might be a "logical" choice, to them.

exactly.. Plus they start thinking, I've been good for a few days, I don't think I need these meds anymore.

 

[DogFace]

If it's as difficult as you say it is, then the Cowboys have chosen to use their draft picks as charity cases.

We’ll see getting a top 10 talent in the 2nd may still turn out to be a decent gamble.

I’d like to see the guys we passed on. Its always intersteing. I guess I’m a masochist.

 

[Bobhaze]

We’ll see getting a top 10 talent in the 2nd may still turn out to be a decent gamble.

I’d like to see the guys we passed on. Its always intersteing. I guess I’m a masochist.

Part of talent assessment is properly assessing a player’s ability to consistently stay on the field. Reliability is an asset Jerry too often overlooks.

I wish RG the best in his quest for success in life and have nothing but compassion for his challenges. But I would have never considered him a wise selection with a second round pick.