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Percy Harvin says he got high before every game due to anxiety

Jake Roth / USA TODAY Sports

Percy Harvin's promising NFL career was bogged down by injuries - including migraines - and anxiety, which he says he tried to combat by regularly smoking marijuana.

The former Minnesota Vikings and Seattle Seahawks receiver/returner, who hasn't played in the NFL in three years, revealed on Master Tesfasion's new "Untold Stories" series that he smoked before every game.

"I had at least seven prescriptions that I was to take, from Zoloft and all the other ones I was taking," Harvin said. "And the only thing that really seemed to work is when I would smoke marijuana."

He added: "There's not a game I played in that I wasn't high."

Harvin also noted that despite the negative stigma surrounding marijuana, it was a much healthier alternative to prescription drugs.

Additionally, the Florida product addressed and apologized for some instances where his anxiety led to altercations, including a fight with Seahawks teammate Golden Tate during Super Bowl week in 2013. Harvin said he responded to comments from Tate in an interview by punching his fellow receiver, leaving Tate with a bruise on his face for the team photo later that day.

Harvin compiled 32 total touchdowns for four teams over his eight-year NFL career. In 2009, he earned Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro nods while also being named Offensive Rookie of the Year.

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