Former NFL Player Robert Gallery Finds Relief from Brain Injury Symptoms Through Psychedelic Therapy
Similar Articles
Trump Signs Executive Order to Fast-Track Psychedelic Drug Research
Elephant Trauma Research Expands Conservation Focus Beyond Population Numbers
Veteran and Author Fred Minnick Shares Mindfulness and Bourbon Journey in New Book
Study Links Fish Oil Supplement to Impaired Brain Repair After Repeated Head Injuries
FDA Grants Fast-Track Review to Three Psychedelic Drugs for Mental Health Conditions
Robert Gallery, a former NFL offensive lineman who suffered hundreds of concussions and debilitating post-retirement symptoms, has experienced significant improvement after undergoing psychedelic treatments. A 2024 Stanford study found ibogaine significantly reduced depression, anxiety, and cognitive symptoms in veterans with traumatic brain injuries. Gallery has co-founded Athletes for Care to help other former athletes access similar treatments, as research and state-level access for psychedelics expand.
Facts First
- Robert Gallery estimates he sustained hundreds of concussions during his eight-season NFL career.
- After retirement, Gallery experienced severe symptoms including brain fog, mood swings, and suicidal ideation.
- Gallery underwent ibogaine treatment in Mexico and reports significant improvement, now using journaling, therapy, and psilocybin microdosing.
- A 2024 Stanford study found ibogaine significantly reduced symptoms in veterans with traumatic brain injuries.
- Gallery co-founded Athletes for Care to help former athletes access treatment, as states like Oregon, Colorado, Texas, and Arizona expand research and access.
What Happened
Robert Gallery, a former NFL offensive lineman, retired in 2012 at age 32 after eight seasons. He estimates he sustained hundreds of concussions during his career. Following retirement, he experienced severe symptoms including brain fog, persistent ringing in the ears, mood swings, violent nightmares, suicidal ideation, and rage. A neurologist's brain scan showed physical degradation. In 2021, Gallery traveled to a clinic in Mexico for a three-day treatment involving ibogaine and was also administered 5-MeO-DMT. He returned for additional treatments in 2023 and 2024. Gallery currently uses journaling, therapy, and psilocybin microdosing as part of his ongoing recovery.
Why this Matters to You
If you or someone you know has suffered a traumatic brain injury from sports, accidents, or violence, new treatment pathways may be emerging. An estimated 69 million people worldwide suffer such injuries annually, and for 10 to 30 percent, symptoms like cognitive impairment, depression, and anxiety persist. Research into psychedelics like ibogaine and psilocybin is accelerating. This could lead to new, federally approved treatments in the future. Furthermore, state-level changes, such as Oregon and Colorado allowing supervised psilocybin therapy, may increase access to these treatments for certain conditions.
What's Next
Research into psychedelics for brain injuries is likely to continue expanding. The Department of Veterans Affairs is funding a $1.5 million grant to research ibogaine, and Texas has committed $50 million to ibogaine drug development. Arizona has approved funding for clinical trials. Gallery's organization, Athletes for Care, has already facilitated psychedelic therapy for approximately 10 athletes in its first months and may help more former athletes access treatment. The federal classification of psychedelics as Schedule I substances remains a barrier, but the Trump administration granted breakthrough therapy status to certain psychedelics, including ibogaine, to accelerate research, which could lead to future regulatory changes.