A seemingly routine round of golf provided the first indication that something was wrong with Marshall Faulk, the Pro Football Hall of Famer who has now revealed he has been living with Parkinson's disease for approximately 18 months.
The 53-year-old former Indianapolis Colts and St. Louis Rams running back disclosed his diagnosis during an interview with neurologist Dr. Sandeep Thakkar, explaining how problems with his hands eventually prompted medical testing.
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Faulk, who previously worked alongside Deion Sanders at Colorado, is now in his first season as Southern University's head coach and says he remains capable of handling his professional responsibilities.
Although the diagnosis has introduced new challenges, the former NFL MVP emphasized that his symptoms are being managed with medication and have not significantly disrupted his daily life.
Faulk first noticed unusual stiffness in his hands while playing golf, initially believing the problem was simply related to nerves.
"I just thought it was normal nerves when putting and stuff like that," Faulk said on The Caring Neurologist podcast.
However, the symptoms continued even when he was playing casually, leaving him increasingly concerned about what was happening.
"But it started to be times where... I was playing, but I wasn't in a match, and it would still do that," he explained.
The former running back eventually mentioned the issue during a medical examination, prompting his doctor to recommend further investigation.
Faulk said he currently experiences occasional tremors and hand rigidity, although he believes the stiffness hasn't significantly worsened since the symptoms began.
He also reported no noticeable cognitive decline, describing his thinking as clear while continuing treatment.
Refuses to let diagnosis define his future
Faulk's approach to Parkinson's has been influenced by people who continued living active lives after receiving similar diagnoses.
He recalled meeting boxing legend Muhammad Ali, whose experience with the condition helped shape his understanding of what a diagnosis could mean.
"So, knowing that, I didn't look at it like if I got a diagnosis, life was going to end," Faulk said.
He also referenced actor Michael J. Fox, who has spent decades raising awareness of Parkinson's while continuing his work and advocacy.
"It's something you live with. It's not to where it's a detriment to your livelihood," Faulk explained.
However, he emphasized that managing the condition requires attention and appropriate treatment rather than ignoring symptoms.
Faulk continues coaching while raising awareness
Faulk joined Sanders' Colorado coaching staff before accepting the head coaching position at Southern University, where the Jaguars have opened the season with a 3-4 record.
His coaching career follows an extraordinary NFL playing career that included a Super Bowl championship, the 2000 league MVP award and seven Pro Bowl selections.
He entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011 after establishing himself as one of the most versatile offensive players of his generation.
Faulk now hopes his diagnosis can encourage others to seek medical attention when they notice unexplained physical changes.
"I want to help as many people as I can," he told Thakkar.
Parkinson's is a progressive neurological condition affecting movement, but treatments can help manage symptoms and support quality of life.
Faulk's decision to share his experience reflects his determination to remain active in football while helping others understand a condition that has become part of his own life.