One of the most impactful moments of 2025 for the Knock Out Opioid Abuse initiative happened on April 29 at Rowan University, where nearly 300 high school student-athletes came together for an important conversation about the risks of prescription opioid misuse.

Beyond just numbers and speeches, it opened up a space for honest conversations with young people, many of whom face higher risks of opioid exposure because of sports injuries and the pressure to succeed.

The message delivered that day was clear: knowledge is prevention. Through the powerful story of former NFL quarterback Ray Lucas, who spoke candidly about his struggle with opioid addiction following sports-related injuries, students saw firsthand how addiction doesn’t discriminate. His experience highlighted how easily prescription misuse can become something more serious.

Alongside Ray’s testimony, students also heard from public health and law enforcement leaders who are working every day to combat the opioid crisis in New Jersey. Their involvement reinforced the idea that this issue affects entire communities, and everyone has a role to play in prevention.

Programs like the Knock Out Opioid Abuse student-athlete initiative, held in partnership with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association, are truly important because they deliver prevention education right where it counts most: to young people, during a critical time when early decisions can influence their lifelong journey.

Check out a short highlight video from the event here. The impact was real and ongoing.