Erik Ainge

Erik Ainge is a former American football [quarterback][1] for the New York Jets. Ainge was born and raised in Oregon and attended Glencoe High School, where he was a baseball, basketball, and football player. Eventually, he pursued American football and led his team Glencoe Crimson Tide to the semi-finals. After high school, he signed to the University of Tennessee to play college football under Phillip Fulmer.

Professional Football Quarterback

In 2008, he decided to participate in the NFL Draft and he was selected by the New York Jets. In the same year, he has to undergo an injury because his broken little finger affected his throw. 2 months after, he signed with the Jets with a $1.87 million contract. However, things weren't exactly what he hoped to be, because he was suspended four games after the NFL found out that Ainge had been taking steroids and other illegal substances. At the same time, he was not allowed to visit the team facility. In December 2008, the suspension was lifted and he rejoined the team to play against the Buffalo Bills.

Post-Football Career as a Radio Host

In 2011, he launched a radio show called "Erik Ainge Show". The show can be controversial at times, because even though Ainge doesn't have any interest in answering political questions, still he's bold and opinionated enough to say things that might upset people. Few of his guests are former football players, such as Arian Foster and Leonard Little, and a couple of football coaches, such as Butch Jones and Rex Ashley Ryan.

Drug Abuse and Other Struggles

Since Ainge was already suspended for substance abuse by the NFL, he boldly stated that he was struggling with drugs and alcohol. He also became very addicted to painkillers and had addressed this matter to the NFL. In 2013, he was also arrested under the influence of alcohol.

Achievements:

• 2006 SEC Offensive Player of the

Week

• 2006 USA Today National Player of

the Week

• 2008 Outback Bowl MVP

[1]: https://www.sportspundit.com/football/terms/2443-quarterback