Former NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf reveals Matthew Perry was ‘instrumental in my recovery’ in emotional tribute on his podcast after Friends star was found dead in hot tub

Former NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf paid tribute to Matthew Perry and spoke about the actor’s support during his journey to sobriety.

The late beloved Friends actor, 54, was found dead in a hot tub outside his Pacific Palisades home in Los Angeles on Saturday.

Throughout his life, Perry had been open about his struggles with drugs and alcohol, but he also helped his friend through his own struggles, Leaf has revealed just days after the star’s death.

The former No. 2 overall pick paid tribute to Perry on his “Straight Line” podcast, saying the actor was “instrumental in my recovery.”

He revealed that Perry offered him support ‘immediately’ after he was released from prison in 2014 for burglary and drug possession.

Former NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf (left) paid tribute to Matthew Perry (right) after his death.

“I got out of jail and when I got to Los Angeles, Matt immediately put his arm around me,” Leaf said. “And he carried me around Los Angeles for probably the first six months, trying to learn how to be a down-to-earth person, really on a public stage.

“I don’t know if I’d be here now and be able to do this kind of thing – or anything – if it wasn’t for him sharing his story and making me understand that you can be a man in the public eye who knows everyone and be yet be sober, be humble and help other people.’

Leaf explained that despite his own battles with drug, alcohol and mental health issues, Perry has always been there for him throughout his journey.

The former signal caller credited Perry as the main person behind his sobriety.

“There’s a lot of people I have to thank for the life I have now, that I get to live… and he’s definitely at the top of that,” Leaf said.

“Matt, we will miss you. I’m going to miss you. I hope you finally have peace, because I just don’t know if you ever really did.”

Leaf was jailed after breaking into a Montana home in 2012 to steal prescription pills. That was a violation of his probation for a previous crime committed in Texas in 2008 for possession of a controlled substance.

Leaf served time in prison in Montana for burglary and drug possession

Leaf was selected second overall by the Chargers in 1998, but left the NFL in 2002.

Initial toxicology testing showed no fentanyl or meth in Perry’s system, but more in-depth testing is underway. When police arrived at Perry’s home (pictured), they found prescription medications that had been properly labeled and stored

Perry’s Friends co-stars said they were ‘devastated’ by his death and were more like family than castmates

When asked if he was “using again,” Leaf said he was going through the “absolute opposite of that.” He added: ‘You have to try it, it’s liberating. If this is a projection, I know the way to freedom. DM me if you need help.’

Leaf had a rough career in the NFL. After being selected second overall by the Chargers in 1998, Leaf lasted just four years in the league. He wrestled for most of that time before finally retiring in 2002. The Washington State legend attempted to take his own life in 2012.

He has since pursued a career in broadcasting, joining ESPN in 2019 as a college football analyst.

There was no meth or fentanyl in Perry’s system when he drowned in a hot tub at his California home, initial toxicology reports show.