Relationship Rehab: Ryan Leaf Returns to Washington State - Spokane, North Idaho News & Weather KHQ.com

Former Washington State and NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf is beginning a new chapter in his life, and it begins with rebuilding his relationship with his alma mater.

Leaf attended the Cougars' home opener against Montana State on Saturday and witnessed his former team's one point come-from-behind win.

The former Heisman Trophy finalist has had a turbulent life after leaving Pullman, going from an NFL bust to a problem with painkillers and an arrest for breaking into an apartment in Texas. But Ryan finally looks to be at peace, and amazingly he may have found a new calling – in journalism. Oh, the irony.

Leaf had a conversation last Saturday with SWX's John Fritz:

"I'm good. I'm doing some writing for Cougfan.com and that's been kind of fun. A guy called me a journalist the other day and I said, ‘No, I'm not a journalist!' I don't know if anybody remembers, but probably didn't have the best relationship with journalists."

Fritz said, "Kind of different on the other side now, huh?"

Leaf responded, "Yeah, and I'm not critical. I remember how it was to be criticized about things and stuff like that. It's fun to do and it's fun to be part of the group again and this is family here, and that's exactly what it's about."

Leaf is living and working in Montana these days, and he's still participating in a 12-step recovery program so he doesn't return to the painkillers that held him hostage. He told the Associated Press he's financially secure, thanks to family and friends who helped him invest his $11 million NFL signing bonus.