"My sobriety chip means more to me than my Super Bowl ring. Both were hard to get."

- Chris Sullivan

mental health awareness speaker in Massachusetts

Chris Sullivan grew up in North Attleboro, MA, and he was always athletic. His talents and hard work ethic paid off when he was offered a full football scholarship to Boston College and, after graduating early, was drafted by the New England Patriots in 1996.

With the Patriots, Chris played in two Super Bowls (and has a ring to prove it!). He also played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and his community was so proud of all that Chris had accomplished.

But instead of celebrating his success, Chris went from the Super Bowl to fighting for his life and future.

He was batting anxiety and an addiction to drugs and alcohol that took over his life. Opiods and alcohol numbed his depression and anxiety, and he eventually gave up his career in football because the addiction was more powerful than his passion for the sport. His substance abuse continued to grow, eventually evolving into a $1000-day heroin habit. Chris chased his first “high” as hard as he chased professional football, and the disease of addiction proved to be more powerful than one of the strongest guys on the team.

Chris finally asked for help and has been sober since December 15, 2008. He now realizes it is the strong people, not the weak, who reach out and ask for help when they need it. Today, Chris has chosen to share his struggles with others and leaves his audiences with many life skills that will help them make good choices surrounding alcohol, drugs, anxiety, depression and mental health.

Humble, honest and authentic, Chris’s message resonates with everyone, from athletes to parents to students to anyone struggling with mental wellness.

Shortly after becoming sober, Chris met his wife, Kathi. She had lost her daughter Taylor to underage drinking months before, and they married in 2011. Kathi and Chris frequently speak together on recovery, and they are dedicated to sharing their stories in hopes of helping others.

Key Topics

Perfect For

Junior high schools
High schools
Colleges
Professional teams
Corporations
Coalitions
Prevention groups
Healthcare professionals
Community nights
and more!

"Chris Sullivan has a very different angle and relates to the students that are really into sports but also the students who maybe are uncomfortable in their own skin. He reveals a side of himself that you can see hits the mark with many students."

"Both of you pass the toughest test that the toughest crowd (teenagers) can throw at you--the BS test. Kids have radar for ferreting out an ounce of phoniness--you all had them from the second they were greeted and walked in the door. You are both powerful people presenting a powerful message."

“Words really can’t describe what these two individuals do for a community of young adults. Between the two of them they are able to reach every single student in the room. It is remarkable the connections that both of them make with students.”

Ready to be inspired make a change make better choices ?

Through Not in the Playbook, Chris honestly and humbly shares his story and leaves audience members with life skills that will help them make good choices surrounding alcohol, drugs and mental health. He considers it an honor to be able to share his road to recovery in hopes of helping others find their path. Click the button below to begin the booking process!