A diagnosis shared on a neurology podcast
Marshall Faulk, the Hall of Fame running back who now coaches at Southern University, has announced that he has Parkinson's disease. He made the disclosure during an appearance on the Caring Neurologist podcast, according to an account of the episode relayed by Jack Baer of Yahoo Sports. The 53-year-old is a former NFL MVP and remains a prominent figure in the sport.[S1][S6]
Faulk explained that he undergoes a physical examination twice a year and considers himself attentive to his health. He said he raised the matter with his doctor after noticing stiffness in his hand during and after golf, initially assuming it was ordinary nerve-related discomfort from putting. When the sensation persisted even outside competitive play, he asked whether it was normal, and his physician advised him to undergo further testing.[S1]
Treatment and day-to-day symptoms
The former running back said he has been receiving treatment and taking medication since the diagnosis. He reported that the drug regimen has left him with few problems, though he may sleep somewhat more than before. He said the rigidity in his hands remains and that the small tremors he experiences have neither worsened nor disappeared.[S1]
Faulk described monitoring his gait, his walking, his balance and how he feels while exercising. He said he does not regard the condition as terminal and instead treats it as something he will live with, adding that other illnesses are more severe.[S1]
The football connection to Parkinson's
There is a recognized association between Parkinson's disease and football. Under the terms described in the reporting, the condition is one of those that makes a player who retired before the final settlement of the concussion class action automatically eligible for payment. Faulk's career included NFL MVP honors, two selections as NFL Offensive Player of the Year, three first-team All-Pro nods and seven Pro Bowl appearances.[S1]
