Ex-NFL player Cullen Jenkins says the pain he went through during his career forced him to rely on prescription pills and alcohol to feel better ... but tells TMZ Sports he's finally found a healthier alternative -- CBD.
FYI -- cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the 113 active cannabinoids identified in cannabis, but doesn't have any psychoactive effects like recreational weed.
Jenkins -- who played 13 seasons in the NFL -- says towards the end of his career, he had to take 4 Advil and 2 Tylenol before every practice .