Mike James

Mike James (born April 13, 1991) is an American former professional football player who was a running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Miami Hurricanes. James was selected in the sixth round of the 2013 NFL draft by the Buccaneers.

Early life James attended Ridge Community High School in Davenport, Florida, where he played for the Bolts football team. He was selected to The Ledger's all-county first-team as a running back and to the Mobile Press-Register's Super Southeast 120. On May 13, 2013, he signed a four-year deal worth $2,263,152 which also included a $103,152 signing bonus. During his rookie season he rushed for 295 yards on 60 carries, His season ended the following week against Miami when he broke his ankle on a goal-line run.

During the 2014 season James rushed for 37 yards in 11 games played. He did not play in any games during the 2015 season.

Detroit Lions (first stint) On October 3, 2016, the Detroit Lions signed James to their practice squad. He was released on October 25, 2016.

Tampa Buccaneers (second stint) On November 1, 2016, James was re-signed by the Buccaneers. He played in four games before being waived on November 29.

Detroit Lions (second stint) On December 3, 2016, James was re-signed to the Lions practice squad. He signed a reserve / future contract with the Lions on January 9, 2017. On August 15, 2017, the Lions placed James on injured reserve with a concussion.

Cannabis use and advocacy

James is an advocate for the medical use of cannabis, which he says can help reduce addiction to opioids among NFL players. James says cannabis helped him overcome his own painkiller addiction while recovering from a severe ankle injury sustained in 2013. In 2018, after failing a drug test the previous year, James filed a therapeutic use exemption (TUE) with the NFL to allow him to use cannabis. The petition was later denied, but James' attorney said that discussion with league officials was ongoing.

James was featured in the CNN documentary Weed 4 discussing his use of cannabis as an alternate pain reliever and his push for the NFL to allow its use.