Marshall Faulk, the Pro Football Hall of Fame running back and current head coach at Southern University, has publicly disclosed that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Faulk revealed his condition during an interview on the podcast “The Caring Neurologist” this week, stating his intention to use his experience to help others affected by the disorder.

The 53-year-old former NFL star said he was diagnosed approximately 18 months ago and is currently managing symptoms such as hand rigidity and occasional tremors through medication. He noted that his symptoms have remained relatively stable since the diagnosis. Faulk described himself as fortunate for having caught the disease early and emphasized the importance of awareness and early detection.

Faulk first noticed symptoms during rounds of golf and initially mistook the hand rigidity for normal nerves. Regular physical examinations and his proactive approach ultimately led to his diagnosis. He also spoke with other former NFL players living with Parkinson’s, including Brett Favre, Ahman Green, and Bernie Kosar, sharing insights about the challenges they face.

Faulk’s football career spanned 12 seasons, beginning with the Indianapolis Colts in 1994 before being traded to the St. Louis Rams in 1999. He played a key role in the Rams’ Super Bowl XXXIV victory in 2000 and was named NFL Most Valuable Player the following year. Faulk was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011 on his first year of eligibility. After retiring from playing, he worked as a broadcaster before transitioning into coaching in 2025 as an assistant on Deion Sanders’ staff at the University of Colorado.

In November last year, Faulk accepted the head coaching position at Southern University, a historically Black university competing in the NCAA FCS. Despite the physical and emotional challenges associated with Parkinson’s, he has led the team to a 3-4 record in his first season after a 2-10 finish the previous year. Faulk has used his platform to encourage his players to prioritize both physical health and mental well-being, emphasizing the broader impact of their choices on and off the field.

Faulk said publicly sharing his diagnosis is motivated by a desire to inform and support others, especially younger athletes, hoping to improve future outcomes by raising awareness. Drawing inspiration from boxing legend Muhammad Ali, who also battled Parkinson’s, Faulk remains optimistic about his prognosis and life beyond the disease.

“My goal is to help as many people as I can,” Faulk told the podcast host, highlighting the importance of education and community in confronting Parkinson’s disease.