A Hawkeye Story, Honestly Told
Iowa Magazine returns to one of the program’s most celebrated alumni — Robert Gallery (03BA) — for an unflinching account of what came after the dominant All-American career, the 2003 Outland Trophy, and the No. 2 overall pick by the Oakland Raiders in 2004.
The Cost That Showed Up Later
Robert played eight NFL seasons and underwent more than 10 surgeries over the course of his career. After retirement, he experienced severe depression, violent outbursts, and persistent suicidal ideation. Brain scans revealed probable Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. As Robert puts it, doctors described his brain as “mangled.”
A Treatment That Reset Him
In 2021, after conventional approaches fell short, Robert traveled to Mexico for ibogaine therapy — a Schedule I controlled substance illegal in the United States. The treatment also included 5-MeO-DMT.
“All this love came back.” — Robert Gallery, on the moment he realized he belonged with his family
Robert reports profound and durable change since that experience and now anchors his life with daily practices including cold plunges, meditation, and visualization.
Athletes for Care
The piece details the founding of Athletes for Care, the nonprofit Robert co-founded to support research and treatment access for athlete mental health. A4C has already supported more than 10 athletes through treatment.
Read the full Iowa Magazine feature →
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