NFL legend Marshall Faulk reveals he has been living with Parkinson’s disease

Faulk, 53, says he was diagnosed after persistent hand stiffness first caught his attention on the golf course.

Pro Football Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk has revealed that he is living with Parkinson’s disease, saying the diagnosis followed an unusual change in his hand that first caught his attention while playing golf.

The 53-year-old former NFL running back disclosed his condition during an October 21 appearance on “The Caring Neurologist,” a podcast hosted by Dr. Sandeep Thakkar. Faulk said he had been dealing with the disease for roughly 18 months and had experienced hand stiffness and minor tremors.

The symptoms initially became noticeable when he was gripping a golf club. When the stiffness persisted even after he stopped playing, Faulk decided to raise the issue during a medical checkup. His doctor recommended further evaluation by a specialist.

Faulk, who now coaches Southern University’s football team in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, said the experience reinforced his belief in taking health concerns seriously rather than waiting for them to worsen.

In an interview reported by PEOPLE on October 23, Faulk encouraged people who notice possible symptoms to consult a doctor and seek appropriate testing. He believes identifying the condition early can help people manage its effects and maintain their quality of life.

“The earlier you catch it, the better chance you have at living a better quality of life with medication,” Faulk said during the podcast.

Despite the diagnosis, the former running back said he remains active and does not view the condition as an immediate end to his normal life. He compared managing Parkinson’s with living with physical problems he has experienced following multiple knee surgeries and ongoing back pain.

Faulk also recalled meeting boxing legend Muhammad Ali after Ali had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. That experience, along with seeing actor Michael J. Fox continue to speak publicly about the condition, influenced how he thought about the possibility of receiving a diagnosis himself.

“I didn’t look at it like if I got a diagnosis, life was going to end,” Faulk said.

He added that he has not yet had an extensive conversation about the diagnosis with friends and family, saying he would address it more directly if his lifestyle changed.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement. There is currently no cure, although treatment and medication can help manage symptoms. Faulk’s comments reflect his personal experience and should not be taken as medical advice for others.

Faulk played in the NFL for the Indianapolis Colts and St. Louis Rams, winning a Super Bowl with the Rams in 2000. He entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011, his first year of eligibility.

Now in a new chapter as a college football coach, Faulk said he feels he is in a good place and believes he identified the condition early. By speaking publicly, he hopes others will take potential symptoms seriously and seek medical guidance.