Ahman Green, the Green Bay Packers’ all-time leading rusher, has revealed that he was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease last year. The 49-year-old former NFL running back disclosed the diagnosis during a July 29 appearance on the “Go Long” podcast with Tyler Dunne, where he also discussed his ongoing efforts to manage the condition.

Green described first noticing symptoms such as feet twitching during sleep and sleepwalking, which his wife observed shortly after his retirement in 2009. He noted that he experienced short-term memory challenges as well. After pursuing medical evaluations and testing, he received his Parkinson’s diagnosis in January 2025. Green decided to keep the news private initially, sharing it only with his immediate family before discussing it publicly.

To address the disease’s symptoms, Green has adopted a regimen that includes medication, regular exercise, and dietary changes which he likens to “an oil change” for his body. He emphasized the importance of maintaining control over his condition and staying proactive in his treatment. “I got the reins. I’m in control. I’m not going to let this control me,” he said.

Green also expressed a desire for increased awareness and open conversation about Parkinson’s disease, particularly in relation to football and potential links to head trauma and injuries sustained during playing careers. He stressed that while the diagnosis is significant, it is "not the end-all," comparing it to a cancer diagnosis in terms of requiring vigilance and early action.

Green’s NFL career spanned 12 seasons, beginning when he was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in 1998. He played eight seasons with the Packers, where he established himself as a franchise icon with 8,322 rushing yards—a team record—and six seasons with over 1,000 rushing yards, including a single-season high of 1,883 yards in 2003. His career totals include 9,205 rushing yards and 60 touchdowns. He was selected to the Pro Bowl four times and also had stints with the Houston Texans and Seahawks.

The former running back joins other NFL players who have publicly addressed diagnoses of Parkinson’s disease, including his former teammate Brett Favre, who revealed his diagnosis in 2024. Green’s announcement contributes to ongoing discussions about the long-term health effects faced by professional football players.