From the Huddle to the Cartel: Tracing the Life of a Cocaine Quarterback

Owen Hanson has certainly had an adventurous life, from his days as a walk-on at USC to running a cartel. In a new Prime documentary called “Cocaine Quarterback,” his journey is laid out in fascinating detail. Sporting a neon “California Ice” T-shirt, representing his new protein ice cream company, Hanson shares how he went from selling cocaine to selling ice cream out of a mop bucket in prison.

Hanson reflects on the similarities in the hustle mentality required for both businesses, noting that the logistics of keeping ice cream frozen present a different kind of challenge. Despite his tumultuous past, Hanson seems at peace with his current mission of providing healthier ice cream alternatives.

As a former USC walk-on, Hanson’s biggest regret was missing his chance to play in the 2005 Orange Bowl due to celebrating too early. This documentary dives deep into his life, showcasing his journey from orchestrating massive bets on NFL games to getting involved with the Sinaloa cartel.

Hanson’s ability to provide top-notch customer service and handle large sums of money attracted the attention of the cartel, leading to a lucrative but dangerous partnership. Without giving too much away, the documentary sheds light on Hanson’s rise to riches and subsequent downfall, emphasizing the allure of fame and illegal activities.

Despite making a million dollars a day at one point, Hanson’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of moving too fast and taking dangerous risks. “Cocaine Quarterback” offers a gripping look at the highs and lows of a life lived on the edge.