Marshall Faulk has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The NFL legend announced the diagnosis during an appearance on the "'Caring Neurologist' with Dr. Sandeep Thakkar." He noted that he's still in a "good place" and that the doctors caught things early.
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Faulk revealed that the first signs came while on the golf course. He then revealed to his doctor that he was having the same issue when he wasn't on the golf course, per The New York Post. The conversation occurred while Faulk was having a physical exam. During his appearance on "'Caring Neurologist' with Dr. Sandeep Thakkar," Faulk revealed that he's been dealing with the disease for roughly 18 months.
"I was like, 'Wow, is that something?'" Faulk said. "'Is that normal?' And the doctor was — he literally was like, 'You need to go get checked.'"
Faulk then continued by explaining how he's been moving forward after the diagnosis.
"The little tremors that I get, you know, they are what they are," Faulk said. "I just pay attention to my gait, you know, while I walk, when I'm working out, my ability to balance. It's still where it is."
According to The New York Post, Faulk wants to be an advocate for people seeking help for Parkinson's. He remains positive due to the fact the disease can be managed through treatment.
"If it comes a time to where my lifestyle changes, then I will," Faulk said. "Then that conversation could be had. I'm functioning. I'm good. You know, I just think I caught it early. I'm in a good place."
Marshall Faulk Spent 12 Years in the NFL
Faulk entered the NFL as the second overall pick in the 1994 draft. He was selected by the Indianapolis Colts, where he spent the first five years of his career. During his time with the Colts, Faulk played in 77 regular-season games, running for 5320 yards and scoring 42 touchdowns. He also recorded 294 first downs.
In 1999, Faulk made the jump to the St. Louis Rams, where he played for seven years. He suited up for 99 regular-season games, starting 80 of them. Faulk ran for 6959 yards during his time in St. Louis, scoring 58 touchdowns and recording 384 first downs.
Throughout his NFL career, Faulk was named to seven Pro Bowl teams and named as an All-Pro first-team selection three times. He was also an All-Pro second-team selection on three separate occasions. Faulk won the MVP in 2000 and was previously the 1994 Rookie of the Year.
If Faulk attacks Parkinson's with the same ferocity he attacked opposing defenses in the NFL, he's going to be just fine. Clearly, he's taking the necessary steps to do just that.
