Packers Legend Ahman Green Takes On Parkinson's Diagnosis

Former Green Bay Packers star Ahman Green just made one of his toughest calls yet, and he's doing it to help others win their own fights.

The four-time Pro Bowl running back revealed on the "Go Long" podcast that he was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson's disease in January 2025. For over a year, only his closest family members knew about his condition.

Green first noticed something was off when his wife mentioned he was twitching in his sleep after he retired in 2009. Years later, those twitches persisted, prompting him to finally seek medical testing and get answers.

Now he's going public with his diagnosis, and his reasoning shows the same determination that made him a star. "It needs to be up front. It needs to be a topic that's always hit," Green said. "And it's not the end all."

The Nebraska product is treating his diagnosis like he treated defenses during his playing days: head on and prepared. He's maintaining a strict regimen of healthy eating, regular exercise, and consistent medication to stay ahead of the disease's progression.

Green faces challenges including short-term memory loss, sleepwalking, and talking in his sleep. But he's framing his diagnosis as an advantage rather than a setback.

"To me, I have a jump ahead of it," Green explained. "Just like anybody discovering that they have some type of cancer in their body, I'm ahead of it right now."

Why This Inspires

Green's decision to share his story comes at a crucial time when Parkinson's awareness is growing. By speaking openly about his diagnosis, he's joining other public figures in removing the stigma around neurological conditions.

His message centers on early detection and proactive treatment. Finding the disease early means he can take action now, potentially slowing its progression and maintaining his quality of life for years to come.

Green rushed for over 9,000 yards during his NFL career and became one of Green Bay's most beloved players. His best season came in 2003 when he tallied 1,883 rushing yards and 20 total touchdowns.

Now he's using that same platform to become an advocate for others facing similar diagnoses. His openness gives hope to families dealing with Parkinson's and shows that life continues after diagnosis.

Green's fighting spirit remains as strong as ever, just directed at a different opponent.