September 1, 2026 – Randy Grimes is a former NFL player, author, keynote speaker, and nationally recognized recovery advocate. After a 10-year career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and overcoming addiction, Randy turned his experience into purpose. Today, he helps individuals and families find hope, healing, and a pathway to lasting recovery.
Q. If you are in recovery, what was your drug(s) of choice and when is your sobriety date?
A. Opiates. 9/22/09
Q. Is there anything special in your sobriety toolkit that helps keep you sober?
A. Gratitude, Brokenness, Humility, and Surrender.
Q. Do you think addiction is an illness, disease, a choice, or a wicked twist of fate?
A. Illness and disease that we self-medicate to feel normal.
Q. Where are you from and where do you reside now?
A. I am from East Texas (Tyler) but reside in Houston now after spending 25 years in Florida.
Q. What is one word you would use to describe yourself?
A. Humble.
Q. Describe how you came to your “rock bottom” point.
A. Medical issues, loss of reputation, friends, finances, family relationships. But my daughter not allowing me to be around my first grandchild was what made me raise my hand!
Q. If you ever retire, would you prefer to live by the ocean, lake, river, mountaintop, desert, or penthouse?
A. Definitely the ocean.
Q. How do you measure success?
A. By what fulfills your daily needs. For me it’s giving back what was given me. I learned early in my recovery that you can’t keep it if you don’t give it away!
Q. What is your biggest pet peeve?
A. Not being authentic.
Q. If you had an extra million dollars, which charity would you donate it to?
A. Indigent addiction and mental health. Those who can’t afford even a fraction of what I was exposed too.
Q. Who has been the biggest influence throughout your life?
A. Other than my father and the great coaches that I had, I would have to say many of the old timers I’ve ran across from the rooms. Those with great knowledge of the day to day struggles of this disease.
Q. If you could give advice to your younger self what would it be?
A. Stay accountable to everyone!
Q. Who made you feel seen growing up?
A. My parents and my coaches.
Q. Which living person do you most admire?
A. Those who are in the trenches on a daily basis fighting for those who can’t fight for themselves!
Q. What major event or realization shaped who you are?
A. Athletics molded me early, but the programs of AA & NA taught me how to live again! How to be a husband, father, employee, neighbor, etc.
Q. What sound or sounds do you most remember from your childhood?
A. Chatter from my friends. I had lots of friends.
Q. What do you love most about living sober?
A. Being present for my family. No more strange looks from them wondering if I’m strung out or not. Respect and confidence from them that I missed for many years.
Q. Which part of your treatment and recovery do you feel was the most interesting or unexpected?
A. Overcoming transitional trauma. I never realized how much not having that uniform (sports) anymore affected me. I finally grieved the loss of that part of my life.
Q. What’s your concept of a Higher Power?
A. GOD.
Q. What is your Astrological sign?
A. Cancer.
Q. Who is your favorite celebrity in recovery?
A. James Taylor.
Q. What book(s) have you read more than once?
A. None. What’s the point. I can retain!
Q. What books are you reading now?
A. Nothing is on my radar right now. Enjoying my summer with family.
Q. What book would you most like to see turned into a movie or TV show that hasn’t already been adapted?
A. OffCenterTheBook.com
Q. Are you binge watching any TV series?
A. Homeland, Lioness, King Of Tulsa, Mayor of Kingstown, Agency, etc. Love the spy stuff!
Q. What is your favorite App?
A. Weather App!
Q. Who is your favorite performer, living or dead?
A. Johnny Cash.
Q. Who are your heroes in real life?
A. My parents, my wife and kids. They never gave up on me!
Q. What are some of the most memorable songs in your life?
A. All classic rock! I’m a child of the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s.
Q. What is your favorite city?
A. West Palm Beach, FL. Where I got sober!
Q. What is your favorite cuisine?
A. Seafood. Any and all!
Q. What is the best concert/performance/play you’ve ever attended?
A. The Eagles.
Q. What is your most treasured possession?
A. My family.
Q. What do you value most in a friendship?
A. Honesty and loyalty.
Q. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
A. Getting sober!
Q. What is your favorite compliment to receive, and why?
A. That I played a small part in their life recovery.
Q. What is your biggest fear?
A. That I don’t live up to my own expectations.
Q. Where do you go when you’re seeking solitude?
A. The Beach.
Q. If you could wake up tomorrow having gained any one quality or ability, what would it be?
A. More patience.
Q. What would constitute a “perfect” day for you?
A. Anytime with family and friends.
Q. What is your biggest regret?
A. Only that I didn’t get sober sooner. I regret what I put my family through.
Q. What is the greatest risk you’ve ever taken?
A. Trusting Bill W, Dr. Bob, and the rooms with my future.
Q. What is something you’ve learned about yourself in the last six months?
