Former footballer and actor Vinnie Jones has spoken candidly about his struggles with alcohol and mental health, revealing he contemplated suicide in the late 1990s. The 59-year-old, who is celebrating 11 years of sobriety this week, said he was embarrassed by his behaviour and the strain it placed on his personal relationships, including with his late wife Tanya.
Jones, known for his 'hardman' image on and off the pitch, admitted that heavy drinking led him to drop his moral standards. He recalled being arrested in 1997 for beating a neighbour while drunk, and later biting a journalist's nose. He described his addiction as 'the monster' and said he felt like he was 'rotting from the inside out'.
Now a successful actor with nearly 100 film credits, including Netflix's The Gentlemen, Jones credits opening up about his feelings as key to his recovery. He is starring in a new film, Talk More Than Football, which encourages people to discuss mental health, particularly within the football community.
Jones said the laddish culture in football can make it difficult for players and fans to talk about vulnerability or issues like sexuality. He revealed his daughter came out six years ago and is getting married in June, adding that he is passionate about breaking down barriers to conversation.
