Legendary running back Marshall Faulk has shared some deeply personal news with the world. The Hall of Famer, who currently serves as head coach at Southern University, revealed this week that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
Faulk opened up about his health journey during an appearance on the "Caring Neurologist" podcast, explaining that he's been managing the condition for the past 18 months. The diagnosis came after he noticed something unusual while playing golf—a rigidity in his hand that wouldn't go away.
"I get a physical twice a year," Faulk said. "I literally asked my doctor because I noticed it as I was playing golf. I noticed the rigidity in my hand after I play a lot or practice a lot, I thought it was just normal nerves when putting and stuff like that. But it started to be times where I wasn't playing—I mean, where I was playing, but I wasn't in a match, and it would still do that."
The football icon, who amassed over 12,000 rushing yards and nearly 7,000 receiving yards during his NFL career with the Indianapolis Colts and St. Louis Rams, remains optimistic about his future. He won a Super Bowl with the Rams and was named league MVP in 2000.
"Since I've started on the medication, I don't really have a lot of issues," Faulk explained. "I might sleep a little more … Other than that, the rigidity in my hands, I still have that. Can't say that it's gotten worse. The little tremors that I get, they are what they are. I just pay attention to my gait, how I walk, when I'm working out, my ability to balance. It's still where it is. I don't look at it as something that's terminal."
Faulk's announcement adds him to a growing list of NFL greats who have publicly discussed their battles with Parkinson's. Green Bay Packers legend Brett Favre revealed his own diagnosis in 2024, describing the three primary characteristics of the disease and noting that he "majors in the rigidity and stiffness." Earlier this year, former Packers running back Ahman Green also shared that he was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson's.
Faulk, who spent the 2025 season as Colorado's running backs coach before taking the head coaching job at Southern, is currently navigating a challenging 2-4 start to the 2026 season. Despite the personal health battle, he remains committed to his coaching duties and living life to the fullest.
The sports world has rallied around Faulk, sending messages of support and admiration for his courage in sharing his story. His openness continues a trend of NFL legends using their platforms to raise awareness about Parkinson's and other health issues affecting former players.
As Faulk continues his coaching career and manages his health, his resilience serves as an inspiration to many. His willingness to discuss his diagnosis openly not only helps destigmatize the condition but also provides hope to others facing similar challenges.
