A Packers legend has Parkinson’s disease

Former Green Bay Packers star running back Ahman Green has revealed some shocking news about his health. The 49-year-old former NFL player learned last year that he has an early-onset form of Parkinson's disease.

Green, a four-time Pro Bowl selection and widely regarded as the best running back in Packers history, shared his diagnosis during a recent appearance on the “Go Long” podcast hosted by Tyler Dunne.

Despite this ordeal, the former star player maintains a positive attitude and says he wants to keep moving forward on his own terms.

“I know that, unfortunately, there will come a day—sooner or later—when our clock will stop ticking. As for me, I consider that my clock will stop ticking when I decide it will,” Green said.

The former running back compared this mindset to the one he had when he was running with the ball in the NFL—a 12-season career during which he racked up 9,205 rushing yards and scored 60 touchdowns.

Green explained that his first worrying signs appeared when his feet began to spasm while he was sleeping. He says, however, that he already sensed something was wrong before these symptoms appeared.

A Packers Legend Who Wants to Keep Inspiring

Parkinson's disease is a neurological disorder that progressively affects movement control. It can cause tremors, muscle stiffness, balance difficulties, and speech problems.

Green also mentioned some daily challenges, including episodes of sleepwalking and short-term memory problems. He says, however, that his long-term memory remains strong.

The former Packers player remains confident about the future and explains that he maintains a strict routine that includes plenty of exercise and an “ultra-healthy” diet to preserve his quality of life.

During his time in Green Bay, Green made franchise history. He surpassed 1,163 rushing yards every season between 2000 and 2004 and remains the Packers' all-time leading rusher with 8,322 rushing yards. In 2003, he set a team record with 1,883 rushing yards in a single season.

Selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round of the 1998 draft, Green joined the Packers in 2000 and enjoyed his best years there. He also played for the Houston Texans before ending his career in Green Bay.

His announcement comes two years after that of his former teammate Brett Favre, who had also revealed that he has Parkinson's disease. Green said he spoke with Favre recently and now wants to remind him that he is not alone in this struggle.

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