Pro Football Hall of Fame running back and Southern University head coach Marshall Faulk disclosed he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease on a recent podcast. The 53-year-old revealed the condition after noticing “rigidity” in his hands following a round of golf.
Faulk initially dismissed the symptoms as “normal nerves” during putting but soon realized they persisted even when he wasn’t actively playing. “It was times where … I was playing, but I wasn’t in a match, and it would still do that,” he told ESPN Senior NFL Insider Adam Schefter. “The doctor literally was like, ‘You need to go get checked.’”
Faulk, who played over 10 seasons in the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts and St. Louis Rams—winning a Super Bowl and earning MVP honors—retired after major knee surgery in 2007. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame four years later. Currently an assistant on Deion Sanders’ Colorado coaching staff, Faulk took the head coaching role at Southern University this November, leading the team to a 3-4 record this season.
Faulk described his diagnosis as manageable, drawing parallels to his own NFL career recovery from injuries. “I treat it like—I’ve had a bunch of surgeries on my right knee,” he said. “There’s some parts in it that aren’t mine, that aren’t original.” He emphasized the importance of proactive care without letting symptoms become a detriment to daily life: “It’s something you live with. It’s not to where it’s a detriment to your livelihood.”
Faulk, who recently shared his experience with boxing legend Muhammad Ali—a Parkinson’s advocate—stated he views his condition as non-terminal and describes himself as “one of the lucky ones” for receiving an early diagnosis. He now focuses on advocating for those seeking help when symptoms emerge, urging others to prioritize medical attention without delay.
The seven-time Pro Bowler maintains a relatively active lifestyle since treatment began, reporting improved sleep and energy levels while staying attentive to his gait and balance. Faulk has yet to discuss the diagnosis extensively with family but remains committed to supporting Parkinson’s awareness through his platform.
