Continuing this week’s sports theme, we’re now discussing an athlete in another sport: DeAndre Levy of the Detroit Lions football team.

In addition to being an excellent linebacker, Levy is smart and interesting. How interesting? Levy recently suggested that the National Football League (NFL) conduct research regarding the use of medical marijuana to treat the pain of football players. Levy joins other professional players such as offensive tackle Eugene Monroe.

Just as interesting is the reason Levy suggested this research. Levy asserts that NFL teams rely too heavily on prescription drugs known as opioids or opiates to treat pain. While Levy has taken such painkillers in the past, he admitted that he now avoids them. He suggests that using such drugs can ultimately create bigger problems for players than just their pain.

Addiction is one of these bigger problems. When players retire, their pain doesn’t. Scores of retired football players endure chronic pain and even multiple operations to try to treat the injuries and pain. Many turn to painkillers as a way to manage this pain.

But they can become dependent on these prescription opioids and abuse them. Many former NFL players have admitted addictions or have faced legal problems for improper possession of prescription medications. Levy appears determined not to travel those paths. His vocal opposition to painkillers and other prescription drugs appears that he wants to help others from traveling those paths.

Levy is not alone. There is a growing awareness of the power of prescription painkillers to hurt and to heal. The Obama administration recently pledged more than $1 billion to fight opioid abuse. Many rehab centers focus on treating this dangerous and growing trend. Their presence illustrates while opioid abuse is highly dangerous, it is also highly treatable.