Ryan Smith has an interesting story. He played a big role in Tampa Bay's special teams in 2020 when they won the Super Bowl. He went to the Chargers in 2021, but tore his ACL. He was back with the Bucks last season.

Unfortunately for Ryan, he was suspended 17 games for using a banned substance, as a drug was prescribed to him to help with his knee recovery. Ryan didn’t realize that the prescription was on a banned substance list with the NFL. It was a twist in his life he didn’t see coming and had to pivot. 

It has been tough for Ryan, but he is trying to see things from a positive perspective.  

“That's kind of how I go through life, try to find the positive out of things, cause regardless if football's over for me or not like I'm so blessed to even get this far coming from where I came from. So, I can't be too mad you know?” 

Rob Maaddi shared with Ryan a familiar bible verse, Romans 8:28, which speaks of in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who are called to serve his purpose. Ryan agreed with the purpose of God and shared how he has been trying to see God’s purpose in all this. 

“I was actually talking to God the other day I was just I was driving home and I'm like, ‘God, is this why you sat me?’ He really sat me down. I had to reflect about ‘What am I doing wrong? Where do I have to grow?’ You know what I'm saying?” 

“Obviously, I got to get closer to him; we're never close enough to God. I've really been finding myself and who I am, how strong I am, mentally and physically out of all of this because I had no choice but to.” 

“I thank him every day that I'm just here in this position, even if it's not exactly where I want to be. He never said my journey is going to be smooth sailing. He did say he is going to be with me through it all.”