Packers Great Ahman Green Reveals Early-Onset Parkinson’s Diagnosis at 49

Former Green Bay Packers running back Ahman Green has revealed that he has been diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease, sharing that he is facing the condition with the same determination and discipline that shaped his football career.

Green, now 49, announced the diagnosis during a July 29 appearance on the “Go Long with Tyler Dunne” podcast. He said he received the diagnosis in January 2025 after experiencing symptoms including sleep problems and unusual movements, such as twitching in his feet.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects movement, though symptoms can also include changes in memory, sleep, mood, and other areas of daily life. Green said he has experienced some memory challenges since his diagnosis, describing his short-term memory as a struggle and explaining that he often has to remind himself about certain things.

Despite the diagnosis, Green said he plans to approach Parkinson’s in the same way he approached challenges during his NFL career.

“My clock is going to stop ticking when I want it to stop ticking,” Green said during the podcast. He added that his mindset has always been centered around persistence, comparing his approach to the toughness he displayed while running the football.

Green spent 12 seasons in the NFL from 1998 through 2009 and became one of the most successful running backs in Green Bay Packers history. After being selected in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft out of the University of Nebraska, he began his professional career with the Seattle Seahawks before joining the Packers.

His best NFL season came in 2003, when he rushed for 1,883 yards, setting a Packers franchise record for a single season. That performance helped establish him as one of the most productive running backs of the early 2000s, and he earned First-Team All-Pro recognition from several organizations.

Green said he initially kept his diagnosis private because he wanted to share the news with his family before making it public. He said his four daughters and one son were among the first people he told, followed by close friends and relatives.

The former running back explained that taking time before announcing the diagnosis allowed him and his family to process the news privately. By eventually speaking publicly, Green said he hopes to help increase awareness about Parkinson’s disease and encourage people to pay attention to early symptoms.

“I didn’t share it for a long time because I wanted to let my kids know, my family,” Green said. “I have four daughters and a son, so I let them all know first, then told friends and family before I told somebody like yourself.”

Green is currently managing his condition through medication, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy diet. He has emphasized the importance of staying active and continuing to focus on his overall quality of life.

The diagnosis has also renewed conversations about neurological health among former NFL players. Green acknowledged that repeated head impacts from football can be part of broader discussions about brain-related conditions among athletes, but he has not stated that his Parkinson’s diagnosis was caused by his football career.

Research into possible connections between contact sports, head trauma, and neurological conditions continues, but individual diagnoses can involve many different factors. Parkinson’s disease can affect people from a variety of backgrounds, including those with no history of professional athletics.

Green’s announcement comes two years after former Packers teammate and Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre revealed that he had also been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Green said he recently spoke with Favre and planned to reach out again to let him know that he now shares a similar journey.

While Parkinson’s is a progressive condition with no current cure, treatments and lifestyle approaches can help many people manage symptoms and maintain independence. Medical professionals often emphasize the value of early diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, physical activity, and ongoing medical care.

For Green, the diagnosis represents another challenge to confront rather than a reason to step away from life. The former Packers star said he intends to continue moving forward with the same determination that defined his years on the football field.

Known for his toughness, speed, and ability to push through difficult situations during his playing career, Green is now using that same mentality as he adjusts to life with Parkinson’s disease.

His decision to share his diagnosis publicly highlights the importance of awareness, early recognition of symptoms, and support for individuals and families affected by neurological conditions. Green’s message is that while Parkinson’s has changed parts of his life, it will not define his future.

Sources

• NTD, published July 30, 2026.
• Associated Press.
• Parkinson’s disease information: Parkinson's Foundation

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Parkinson’s disease symptoms, progression, and treatment options vary from person to person. Anyone experiencing health concerns should consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and personalized guidance.