NFL

Pro Football Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk Announces Parkinson's Disease Diagnosis

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Oct 23, 2026, 06:51 IST

NFL legend and Southern University head coach Marshall Faulk has revealed he is living with Parkinson's disease. The 53-year-old says he remains focused on his coaching duties and hopes to help others through his transparency.

Pro Football Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk Announces Parkinson's Disease Diagnosis

Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk has publicly shared that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The 53-year-old, who currently serves as the head coach at Southern University, disclosed the news during an appearance on the podcast The Caring Neurologist on Wednesday.

Faulk, a legendary figure in the NFL who enjoyed a decorated career with the Indianapolis Colts and the St. Louis Rams, stated that he has been managing the condition for approximately 18 months. Despite the diagnosis, he emphasized that he is not currently facing significant daily challenges, noting only minor tremors and some hand rigidity that he initially mistook for nerves while playing golf.

Managing the Diagnosis and Looking Ahead

During his conversation with Dr. Sandeep Thakkar, Faulk explained that his symptoms have remained stable with the help of medication. He expressed a positive outlook, drawing inspiration from other prominent figures who have lived with the condition, such as actor Michael J. Fox and the late boxing icon Muhammad Ali. Faulk noted that his cognitive function remains unaffected, stating that he feels completely clear of thought.

The former NFL Most Valuable Player compared his current health management to the physical toll of his professional playing career, which included multiple surgeries on his right knee. He stressed the importance of proactive care, remarking that while the condition is something he must live with, it does not currently hinder his professional responsibilities or his livelihood.

Faulk’s career in football remains a central part of his life. After a standout collegiate tenure at San Diego State, where he earned two-time All-American honors, he spent over a decade in the NFL. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011, his first year of eligibility. Following a stint as an assistant coach on Deion Sanders' staff at Colorado, Faulk took the helm at Southern University last November, where he has guided the team to a 3-4 record this season. By sharing his journey, Faulk hopes to raise awareness and provide support to others navigating similar health challenges.