A 6'7" Lineman’s Path Through Plant Medicine
Leaf Magazine profiles Robert Gallery — the retired Oakland Raiders and Seattle Seahawks offensive lineman — and the recovery journey that turned him into one of professional sport’s most visible advocates for psychedelic-assisted therapy.
After football, Robert experienced severe mood swings, rage, suicidal ideation, and persistent nightmares. Brain imaging confirmed what he’d long suspected — significant trauma from years of play. Conventional approaches like hyperbaric chambers and IV therapy did not deliver the relief he needed.
“Defragging” the Mind
Inspired by a podcast featuring Marcus Capone of VETS, Robert traveled to Mexico for ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT treatment. He describes ibogaine as “defragging” his mind — separating memories and traumas — while the subsequent 5-MeO-DMT experience produced what he calls an ego death that fundamentally shifted his mental state.
“Everything turned back on… the stuff that I could physically see and feel had changed literally over the weekend.” — Robert Gallery
He emerged free of anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and brain fog — and, remarkably, with his love for football restored.
The Mission
Athletes for Care, the nonprofit Robert founded, now drives research and develops pathways for current and former athletes to access psychedelic therapy. Recent appearances at the Psychedelic Science Conference in Denver and his work with the Texas Ibogaine Initiative are part of a broader effort to advance the science.
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