Green Bay Packers great Ahman Green revealed on Wednesday that he’s been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
Green, 49, told host Tyler Dunne on the “Go Long” podcast about his diagnosis, which he said occurred in January 2025. The former NFL running back was hesitant to share the news with the public, instead choosing to inform his close family first.
After a standout college career at Nebraska, Green played 12 seasons as an NFL running back from 1998-2009. He played eight of those seasons with the Packers, where he made four Pro Bowls and one All-Pro team. Green is Green Bay’s all-time leading rusher with 8,322 yards.
Green discussed his symptoms, which include twitching at night, short-term memory loss, and walking and talking in his sleep. His wife told him he’d been twitching in his sleep since shortly after his retirement from football in 2009. Green said he’s been working out and following a healthy diet in addition to taking medication to combat the symptoms of the disease.
The former running back emphasized the importance of awareness and early diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, particularly in the context of head trauma that comes with football. “It needs to be up front,” Green said. “It’s not the end all. To me, I have a jump ahead of it.”
Green’s diagnosis has sparked conversations about the long-term effects of football on players’ health. The former running back has been an advocate for healthy living and is now using his platform to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease.
Green’s story serves as a reminder that even former athletes can face health challenges after retirement. His openness about his diagnosis may help others who are struggling with similar issues to feel more comfortable seeking help.
As for what’s next, Green will continue to advocate for awareness and early diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. His story is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is hope for those affected by the disease.
Source: Yahoo Sports