Former NFL Quarterback Ryan Leaf Has Brain Tumor Removed

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) On Tuesday, California doctors removed a benign tumor from the brain stem of former NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf.

The 35-year-old Leaf had been experiencing dizziness and blurred vision before seeing a doctor May 18, his publicist, Margo Myers, told The Associated Press. He had surgery a week later at Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif., and was released Saturday.

"I am looking forward to resting a bit and being with my family," Leaf said in the statement. "This was just another bridge for me to cross, and I will continue to live each day to the fullest and give back where I can!"

Leaf, a Great Falls, Mont., native, starred at Washington State, and the San Diego Chargers made him the second pick of the 1998 NFL draft. He played for the Chargers from 1998-2000 and also played for the Dallas Cowboys in 2001.

He threw for 3,666 yards and 14 touchdowns in his career, but is considered one of the league's biggest draft busts.

In April, Leaf pleaded guilty to eight felony drug charges in Texas and received 10 years of probation. He has said he was addicted to prescription painkillers.

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