In this episode of Clean Play, Anne and Chris start with NFL chaos, grieving a tragic loss in the Cowboys organization, and end up exactly where they always do: life beyond the game. They talk about the pressure athletes feel to “play through the pain,” Anne’s three-year sobriety milestone and the moment she finally asked for help, and how alcohol quietly becomes a way to replay our old highlight reels. Then they pivot to Section Yellow at Lambeau Field, sober fan sections, and real-world tips for surviving your first (or fifth) sober Thanksgiving—without forfeiting football, family, or joy.

Takeaways and Timestamps

• Winning has to include your whole life, not just the game. If the only scoreboard you’re watching is performance, your mental health will always come second.
  

• Some things are not worth pushing through. The same mentality that gets athletes through injury can make it really hard to say “I’m not okay” out loud.
  

• Identity after sport is tender ground. When the jersey comes off—whether as a player or coach—alcohol can sneak in as a way to relive old highlight reels.
  

• Sober fans still belong. From Section Yellow at Lambeau to sober tailgates and NA beer at the bar, you don’t have to drink to be part of the moment.
  

• Holidays need game plans too. Time limits, movement, NA options, and post-holiday rewards can turn a dreaded Thanksgiving into a sober win.
  

• [00:00] Government names, Thanksgiving vibes, and NFL chaos this season
  

• [04:30] Grieving a Cowboys player’s death and the hidden cost of “just push through it”
  

• [11:30] Anne’s three years sober, depression after sport, and finally asking for help
  

• [21:00] Life beyond the game: when identity, alcohol, and old highlight reels collide
  

• [25:30] Section Yellow at Lambeau, sober tailgates, and belonging without booze
  [34:30] Real talk holiday coaching: sober Thanksgiving tips, boundaries, and permission