Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk has revealed that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The 53-year-old shared the news on the Caring Neurologist podcast with Dr. Sandeep Thakkar, saying he has been managing the progressive condition for roughly 18 months.
Faulk first noticed symptoms while playing golf. He initially dismissed the issue as ordinary nerves.
“I just thought it was normal nerves when putting and stuff like that,” Faulk said. “But it started to be times where I was playing, but I wasn’t in a match, and it would still do that. And I was like, ‘Wow, is that something — is that normal?’ And the doctor was — he literally was like, ‘You need to go get checked.’”
Early detection allowed him to begin treatment promptly. With medication, Faulk reports that his symptoms have remained stable. He experiences hand rigidity and occasional tremors but has noted no cognitive decline.
“Since I’ve started on the medication, I don’t really have a lot of issues,” he said. “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, you know, they are what they are. I just pay attention to my gait while I walk, when I’m working out, my ability to balance. It’s still where it is.”
Faulk described his outlook as measured rather than fearful.
“I didn’t look at it like if I got a diagnosis, life was going to end,” he said. “It’s something you live with. It’s not to where it’s a detriment to your livelihood. Now, if you don’t take care of it, there’s an opportunity for that to be. But you have to take care of it.”
He added that he feels “in a good place” and is “functioning” well, calling himself “one of the lucky ones” for catching the condition early.
Faulk continues in his role as head football coach at Southern University, where the Jaguars are 3-4 this season.
The former Indianapolis Colts and St. Louis Rams standout was a cornerstone of the Rams’ Greatest Show on Turf offense. He helped win Super Bowl XXXIV, earned NFL Most Valuable Player honors in 2000, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011 on his first ballot.
Faulk hopes speaking publicly will encourage others to address early symptoms.
“I want to help as many people as I can,” he said. “Just start on the medication. Don’t wait for it to get worse.”
He has not yet discussed the diagnosis extensively with family but remains optimistic that consistent care will allow him to maintain his current lifestyle.
