Growing Up in Dearborn 

Q: You grew up in Dearborn — you’re a son of Dearborn. What does it mean to you to be from this community and to see how it’s evolved over the years? 
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Coach Saleh:
There’s a lot of pride in being from Dearborn. My whole family is still there — both my parents, my wife’s parents, our brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts, uncles. We’re still very connected and visit every year when we can. It’s amazing to see the evolution from my grandfather’s generation, who came here just trying to make ends meet, to now — lawyers, doctors, and professionals representing our community across the country. It’s a really cool evolution of our people. 

Seeing the Impact of Substance Use Disorder Firsthand 

Q: Along your journey — whether becoming a nationally renowned coach or growing up in Dearborn — how have you experienced or seen the challenges of substance use around you? 
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Coach Saleh:
You see it all the time — even at the professional level. Former players get hooked on painkillers, and it often starts small. Marijuana, for example, might seem harmless, but it can be the starting point for something more dangerous. Substance use disorder isn’t about bad people doing bad things; it’s about people falling into traps they don’t know how to escape. Without help or programs to guide them, they get stuck. That’s why what you’re doing here with the Recovery Center is so important. 

Building the ACCESS Recovery Center 

Q: The ACCESS Recovery Center is being built right here in your hometown. What does that mean to you, and what impact do you think it will have on the city?
 

Coach Saleh:
I think it’s awesome. Substance use disorder is a major problem in this country — in every community. If we’re not trying to attack it, to get involved day to day, we’re doing a severe injustice to our children and our community. Having this program in Dearborn is incredible. It’s going to help people, bring awareness, and give those struggling a place to turn for real support. 

Confronting Shame and Stigma 

Q: Within our community, there’s often stigma and shame around Substance use disorder. What would you say to someone who’s directly struggling — or to a family trying to navigate the pain of Substance use disorder? 
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Coach Saleh:
The pain of death is far greater than the pain of embarrassment. Too often, families sweep problems under the rug to avoid shame, but that only pushes people further away. The best chance anyone has to recover is to recognize the problem and seek help. 

In Dearborn, we sometimes have that “don’t bring shame to the name” mentality — but that’s the worst thing you can do. You have to reach out. Whether it’s a child or an adult, people struggling are often screaming for help before they ever get addicted. Open, honest communication and trust within families are critical. If we just ignore the problem, we risk losing them. 

The Role of Family in Recovery 

Q: Families play such a powerful role in helping people recover. Could you elaborate on that? 
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Coach Saleh:
It all comes down to trust. I have eight kids, and my biggest fear is that they’d ever be afraid to come to me with something. If you cultivate a household where your kids are scared to speak up, you better pray they have good friends guiding them in the right direction. 
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You want to create a home where people can speak freely — where they can share how they feel without fear or embarrassment. Yes, there are consequences for actions, but when there’s honesty and trust, those consequences come with understanding and love. That kind of openness can make all the difference in recovery. 

Lessons from the Field 

Q: You’ve led teams through high-pressure moments. What lessons from the field apply to recovery? 
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Coach Saleh:
Do the best you can and focus on the things you can control. That’s true in football and in life. Wake up, make your bed, handle your responsibilities. When you focus on what’s within your control, life becomes less stressful and less chaotic. 

There will always be pressure — to succeed, to improve — but when you channel your energy into the things you can actually influence, you’ll be amazed how quickly life can change. 

Finding Hope in Recovery 

Q: If someone is watching this — maybe in early recovery, or trying to guide a loved one through it — what message would you want to share? 
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Coach Saleh:
You’re never alone. You’re only alone if you choose to be. There are so many people going through the same challenges as you. Some find help and make it out of the darkness; others stay silent until it’s too late. 

Don’t be ashamed or embarrassed — Substance use disorder doesn’t define you or your story. Take control of your life, focus on what you can control, and trust that people have your back. Recovery is possible. 

A Call to Community 

Q: You know this community well — why is it important for everyone, from local business owners to community leaders, to support this kind of work? 
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Coach Saleh:
It’s our future. My grandfather sold furniture door-to-door, my dad owned a store, and now my generation includes doctors, lawyers, and leaders. Our community keeps evolving, and if we want that growth to continue, we need to show up. 
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We’re seeing more people from Dearborn in leadership roles — politicians, business owners, community advocates — making a real impact. To keep that going, we all have to invest in our people. 

Why Support Matters 

Q: For those considering donating or helping push the campaign across the finish line — what would your message be? 
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Coach Saleh:
Imagine if it was your own child, your own family member, or someone in your circle who needed help. Every contribution — no matter how small — directly helps families and strengthens the community. 

Make it personal, even if it’s not. The community needs you. Our kids need you. And you’ll be thankful you did. 

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