Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk has shared that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease during an episode of the “Caring Neurologist” podcast released on Wednesday.
Now serving as head coach at Southern University, Faulk mentioned that he has been managing this condition for a year and a half and identified it early, which has permitted effective treatment thus far. Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative brain condition primarily characterized by tremors, with no established cure available.
Faulk, aged 53, discussed his diagnosis, which came after he recognized some difficulties while playing golf and subsequently consulted his doctor:
“I have a physical examination twice a year. I’m a bit obsessive about my health. I distinctly asked my doctor because I observed something while playing golf. I noted the stiffness in my hand after extensive play or practice; I assumed it was just regular nerves during putting and similar activities. However, there were instances when I wasn’t even in a match, and it still occurred.
“I thought, ‘Wow, is this concerning? Is this typical?’ And my doctor advised, ‘You should get evaluated. You need to have X, Y, and Z assessed.’
Faulk emphasized the significance of prompt treatment and noted that his current medications have enabled him to maintain a relatively normal lifestyle:
“Since I commenced the medication, I haven’t encountered numerous issues. I might rest a bit more … Apart from that, the rigidity in my hands persists. I can’t claim that it’s worsened. The slight tremors I experience are what they are. I simply stay mindful of my gait, my walking, how I work out, and my balance. Everything remains consistent.
“I don’t perceive it as something life-threatening. It’s more like, ‘Hey, you can live with this.’ There are significantly worse things to face.”
Neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s are widely recognized as potential risks associated with lengthy football careers, and a study earlier this year discovered that NFL players have a Parkinson’s mortality risk nearly four times higher than the general population.
Former NFL players like Brett Favre, Ahman Green, and Bernie Kosar currently contend with Parkinson’s. The late Muhammad Ali, who passed away in 2016, is another notable example.
Faulk recounted an encounter with Ali following his own diagnosis, expressing that he was encouraged by the experience:
“I was at one of his fundraisers during fight night and sat by him. He leaned towards me and whispered, ‘You a bad boy.’ He then made a few other remarks. I thought, ‘He’s entirely present.’ So that gave me a perspective — I didn’t view it as if my life was nearing an end.
“I regard it as similar to the multiple surgeries I’ve had on my right knee. Some parts are not original. My back occasionally gives me discomfort. It’s a matter of living with it. It’s not an impediment to your quality of life. If neglected, it could become a hindrance. But it is essential to care for it.”
Faulk has been inducted into both the Pro Football Hall of Fame for his tenure with the St. Louis Rams and Indianapolis Colts, as well as the College Football Hall of Fame for his achievements at San Diego State. He is celebrated as one of the finest running backs in NFL history and is the sole player in the league to surpass 12,000 rushing yards and 6,000 receiving yards during his career.
A seven-time Pro Bowler, the 2000 NFL MVP, and a Super Bowl XXXIV champion, Faulk initiated his coaching journey last season as the running backs coach at Colorado. He is now in his inaugural season at Southern, where the team currently holds a record of 1-3.
