Chicago Bears

Former Bears QB McMahon: 'Medicinal marijuana has been a godsend'

Published Jan. 29, 2016 8:30 a.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

foxsports

A 15-year career with six different teams took its toll on former NFL quarterback Jim McMahon. Diagnosed with early onset dementia, the 56-year-old deals with headaches and several other debilitating symptoms of the disease on a daily basis.

When the prescription painkillers became too much, McMahon turned to medical marijuana -- something he considers a "godsend."

Via Robert McCoppin of the Chicago Tribune:

The Chicago Bears selected McMahon fifth overall in the 1982 NFL Draft. He made 61 of his 97 career starts with the Bears and guided them to a victory in Super Bowl XX. After seven seasons in Chicago, he became a journeyman with stops in San Diego, Philadelphia, Minnesota, Arizona and Green Bay.

McMahon's case could be an eye-opener for Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner and others who need a little convincing that medical marijuana should be considered an acceptable alternative to prescription painkillers in certain situations.

share

Get more from Chicago Bears Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

Chicago Bears

National Football League