Former NFL player Randy Grimes and Heather Stokes of Serenity Light Recovery were interviewed by Karisa Maxwell of the Sports Philanthropy Network at Super Bowl 59’s Media Center. Grimes, a 10-year veteran of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, shared his journey through addiction and recovery, emphasizing the need for better support systems for athletes transitioning out of professional sports. Stokes discussed the importance of reducing the stigma around seeking help and promoting holistic recovery approaches for mental and physical well-being.
Randy Grimes is a former professional American football player who served as the starting center for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1983 to 1992.Grimes played college football at Baylor University, where he was part of the 1980 Southwest Conference Championship team. His performance at Baylor led to his selection in the second round of the 1983 NFL Draft by the Buccaneers, with whom he played 118 games over his ten-year career.
During his NFL tenure, Grimes began using prescription painkillers to manage injuries sustained on the field, leading to a dependency that persisted for over two decades. At the height of his addiction, he was consuming up to 45 pills a day. After seeking help from a rehabilitation facility, Grimes achieved sobriety and has since dedicated his life to assisting others facing similar struggles. He now works as a counselor at the same facility where he found help, guiding individuals through their recovery journeys.
In 2012, Grimes, founded Pro Athletes in Recovery, a nonprofit organization that provides addiction treatment and recovery resources to athletes and others in need. The organization also offers a mentorship program, pairing professional athletes with individuals new to recovery to provide support and guidance. Through his advocacy work, Grimes has reached hundreds of thousands of people, sharing his story to combat the stigma surrounding addiction and promote lasting recovery.
Heather Marie-Ogburn Stokes is the founder and CEO of Serenity Light Recovery, a comprehensive addiction treatment center located in Angleton, Texas. Her personal journey through addiction and recovery has profoundly influenced her professional path, leading her to establish a facility that offers individualized care for those struggling with substance abuse. Under her leadership, Serenity Light Recovery provides a range of services, including medical detox, residential treatment, and intensive outpatient programs, all situated on a serene 10-acre campus designed to promote healing and transformation.
Heather’s commitment to holistic treatment is evident in the diverse therapeutic amenities offered at Serenity Light Recovery. Clients have access to yoga, meditation, massage therapy, personal training, and nutritional assessments, among other services. The center also features a faith-based track and a three-day intensive family program aimed at educating and involving families in the recovery process. Heather’s leadership philosophy emphasizes compassion and empathy, striving to empower individuals to embrace change and achieve sustainable, long-term recovery.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Heather maintains an active presence on social media, where she shares insights into her life and work. Her Instagram profile, under the handle @you_are_thelight, showcases her roles as a CEO, entrepreneur, wife, and mother, reflecting her multifaceted identity and dedication to both her personal and professional communities.
Pro Athletes in Recovery is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping athletes overcome addiction and mental health challenges. Recognizing the unique pressures and struggles that professional and collegiate athletes face, the organization provides comprehensive support services, including peer mentoring, treatment referrals, and recovery programs. By working with addiction specialists and mental health professionals, Pro Athletes in Recovery ensures that athletes receive the necessary care to transition from substance dependence to a healthier, more stable life.
In addition to individual support, Pro Athletes in Recovery plays an active role in educating athletes, teams, and sports organizations about the dangers of addiction and the importance of mental well-being. The organization partners with leagues, schools, and community groups to deliver workshops, training sessions, and outreach programs designed to raise awareness and promote early intervention. Through these efforts, it seeks to break the stigma surrounding addiction in sports and encourage open conversations about recovery.
Beyond treatment and education, Pro Athletes in Recovery fosters a sense of community among athletes who have faced similar struggles. By connecting individuals with shared experiences, the organization creates a strong support network that extends beyond initial recovery efforts. Many former athletes who have successfully navigated addiction now serve as mentors, helping others find hope and purpose. Through its mission, Pro Athletes in Recovery is making a meaningful impact in the world of sports, ensuring that athletes receive the resources and encouragement they need to thrive in both their careers and personal lives.
Serenity Light Recovery is a rehabilitation center dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized treatment for individuals struggling with addiction and mental health disorders. Located in Texas, the facility offers a serene and supportive environment where clients can focus on healing and long-term recovery. Serenity Light Recovery’s programs are designed to address a wide range of substance use disorders, incorporating evidence-based therapies, holistic treatments, and medical support to ensure a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation.
The center emphasizes personalized care, recognizing that each person’s journey to recovery is unique. Clients have access to a variety of treatment options, including detoxification, residential programs, outpatient services, and aftercare planning. In addition to traditional therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and group counseling, Serenity Light Recovery integrates alternative healing methods like yoga, meditation, and equine therapy. This holistic approach helps individuals not only overcome addiction but also develop the tools necessary for a balanced and fulfilling life.
Beyond treatment, Serenity Light Recovery is committed to long-term success by fostering a supportive community. The facility provides relapse prevention programs, alumni support, and family therapy to help individuals maintain sobriety even after leaving the structured treatment environment. By addressing the root causes of addiction and offering ongoing support, Serenity Light Recovery empowers clients to build healthier futures, free from the constraints of substance dependence.
Watch the Interview Here
0:01 – Karisa Maxwell introduces Randy Grimes, highlighting his 16 years of advocacy work and NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
0:33 –Grimes discusses why he returns to the Super Bowl Media Center each year—to share his story and encourage athletes struggling with addiction to seek help.
1:26 – Grimes highlights his collaboration with Serenity Light Recovery and other organizations to support former athletes in their recovery journeys.
1:53 – Grimes shares how his struggles with addiction stemmed from difficulties adjusting to life after the NFL.
2:24 – Heather Stokes explains how athletes often feel pressure to be mentally tough, making it harder for them to admit they need help.
3:39 – The discussion shifts to how painkillers were commonly used in the NFL, the dangers of self-medicating, and how the league’s approach has evolved.
5:37 – Grimes reflects on what he would tell his younger self—avoid defining identity solely through football and steer clear of opioid dependence.
6:42 – Stokes describes how recovery programs focus on mental health, holistic healing, and personalized treatment to help athletes move forward.
8:49 – Grimes advocates for stronger transition programs to help retiring players find purpose beyond football and prepare for life after the game.
9:53 – Grimes and Stokes share ways for people to support their mission through resources at ProAthletesInRecovery.org and CityLightRecovery.com.
