they didn't work as hard as rybe. he was the first in the field and probably the last to leave. giving his all would eventually exact a price. i said "ryan, you can't continue to play in way. because you are getting nurt. and you are not going to continue to play this way. he said this is the only way i know how to play. mum, this is the only way i know how to play. >> by his mid 20s, freo was struggling with add and alcohol addiction. those close to him said he behaved impulsively, was angry. >> from there other red flags. >> he would say mum, something is wrong with me, he said i feel my brain is not working right. i feel like someone is pressing my head. >> reporter: by 2010, after eight years in the league. freo was dogged by injuries, and his career was over. by his own count he suffered at least 10 concussions. the divorced father of three began to coach a little league team. he struggled being off the field. indulging in a new obsession, guns. alarmed, his mother removed weapons from his home. his last communication with her came in a text message. >> he mentioned somethi