Marshall Faulk, 53, Diagnosed With Parkinson’s: Why Early Symptoms Can Be Easy To Miss

Former NFL star Marshall Faulk is announcing that he's been battling Parkinson's for approximately 18 months. The 53-year-old Pro Football Hall of Famer revealed details on The Caring Neurologist podcast with Dr. Sandeep Thakkar. He first noticed stiffness in his hand “while playing golf," he said. 

Initially, he thought it was linked to practising for long periods or feeling nervous while putting. But the stiffness persisted and he sought medical advice. His experience exemplifies the reason why there are often times that the initial symptoms of Parkinson's Disease can be easily overlooked, particularly if they appear to be a mundane muscle issue.

Marshall Faulk’s Parkinson’s Diagnosis: What Did He Notice First?

According to Reuters, Faulk noticed stiffness in his hand while golfing. Once the issue persisted when he thought it wouldn't, he sought advice from his physician and had additional tests done.

Marshall Faulk opens up about the moment he first noticed signs of Parkinson’s disease. Sending love and support to the NFL legend. 🙏 🎥: tophealthco YT https://t.co/KxhWDm23Mk

— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) October 23, 2026

Medication has helped him control his symptoms and keep active, Faulk said. He still has some tremors and is conscious about his walking and balance when exercising.Marshall Faulk parkinsons disease

His experience demonstrates how a simple adjustment in motion can inspire an individual to pursue medical advice. But if someone has stiff hands, it doesn't necessarily mean they have Parkinson's. There are several other conditions that result in similar symptoms. 

What Is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement. It occurs when nerve cells of a portion of the brain known as the substantia nigra become damaged or die. These cells release a chemical called dopamine, which is used to regulate smooth and coordinated movement.

According to the US National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), reduced dopamine activity contributes to symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness and slower movements.

The condition affects people differently. Symptoms may develop gradually, and they can initially be more noticeable on one side of the body.

Parkinson’s Symptoms That Can Be Easy To Miss

Not all early symptoms of Parkinson's are noticeable as shaking. Some changes can happen gradually, and can easily be attributed to old age, fatigue or a small physical issue.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) identifies four main movement-related symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease.

1. Tremor

A tremor is a involuntary movement of shaking. It typically starts in a hand or fingers and can be more prominent when the injured body part is at rest.

Not all people with Parkinson's get a tremor. It is not a definite exclusion of the condition.

2. Muscle Stiffness

Stiffness (rigidity) makes muscles stiff or tight and hard to move. A person may feel pain during arm movement, turning around or doing simple tasks.

This applies to Marshall Faulk's experience. He first thought his stiffness was caused by playing golf. But stiffness may be caused by many conditions so changes that persist or occur without explanation must be evaluated, not self-diagnosed.

3. Slower Movements

Bradykinesia (slow movements) can develop due to Parkinson's. Tasks may take longer to complete in the normal course of daily activities.

Possible changes include:

• Requires more time to fasten or unfasten a shirt or tie, or to tie or untie shoe laces
• Slowing down in writing or self observing that writing has become smaller.
• Walking with shorter strides.
• Having less natural arm movement when walking

These changes might initially be very vague. They can become more apparent when they interfere with a number of daily routines.

4. Changes In Balance And Walking

Some experience alterations in body posture, gait or balance. May take shorter steps, shuffle walking or lack stability.

Faulk has stated that he watches his form when he is exercising and his balance. Balance issues can also occur with other medical conditions and aren't unique to Parkinson's.

The NINDS guide to Parkinson’s disease explains these movement-related symptoms and how they may change as the condition progresses.

Can Parkinson’s Symptoms Begin Before Tremors?

Yes. Some of the symptoms of Parkinson's are not related to movement. These might be seen before the more familiar movement changes but it does not necessarily happen in everyone.

According to Parkinson’s UK, possible early symptoms include:

• Loss of smell: Food, perfume or familiar scents may become harder to detect.
• Sleep problems: Some people experience disrupted sleep or unusual movements during sleep.
• Constipation: Changes in bowel function can occur.
• Low mood or anxiety: Emotional changes may sometimes precede movement symptoms.
• Fatigue: Persistent tiredness may affect daily activities.

These symptoms are common in many other conditions, too. Experiencing one or more does not automatically indicate Parkinson’s disease.

When Should You Seek Medical Advice?

If movement changes are ongoing and not explained, seek medical advice if they slowly get worse or interfere with day-to-day activities.

Follow medical advice if you have symptoms like seizures, muscle rigidity, reduced movement or walking and balance. A doctor can evaluate the symptoms, check the medical history and determine if specialist evaluation is required.

Currently there is no cure for Parkinson's and, whilst medicines and physiotherapy can help to manage symptoms and maintain quality of life, exercise is another treatment that can help. The treatment is customized for the individual.

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Conclusion

Marshall Faulk's experience serves as a reminder that never to discount ongoing changes just because they appear to be small in the beginning. Also, don't assume that all tremors and stiff muscle are a sign of a neurological disorder. The best way to determine the cause of the symptoms is by having an appropriate medical evaluation.