Former New Orleans Saints star Mike McKenzie tells New Orleans Job Corps Center students of a friend whose life changed in one night as a result of alcohol abuse.

Former New Orleans star Michael Lewis speaks of former NFL teammates who have thrown away their football careers because of substance abuse problems including a former Dallas Cowboys football player who killed two people while drinking and driving.

It is all part of the final day of Red Ribbon Week activities last Friday in New Orleans- five days devoted to increasing the awareness of the dangers of alcohol and substance abuse to New Orleans Job Corps students.

“Doing drugs is a devastating thing when you’re talking about education and staying in school,” says Lewis. “The first thing when you apply for a job is they’re going to drug test you. Drug and alcohol abuse is stopping too many young people from moving on and building successful careers and lives.”

Mc Kenzie adds, “Drugs are not the answer. If you have a problem, you need to get help. I think in an atmosphere like this there is a lot of help to given.”

Mc Kenzie and Lewis capture the attention of the New Orleans Job Corps students in that unique way that only professional athletes can.

“The job market is very competitive. Just because you have an opportunity doesn’t mean you’re going to keep the job,” says McKenzie, who played for the Green Bay Packers before coming to New Orleans. “So, improving your education and skill level has to be a lifelong commitment. A life free of drugs is the only way to achieve your dreams”