Packers career rushing leader Ahman Green announces Parkinson's diagnosis

Ahman Green, the Green Bay Packers' career rushing leader with 8,322 yards, announced during an interview on the podcast "Go Long with Tyler Dunne" that he was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's disease in January 2025.

Green, 49, said he had kept the diagnosis private until the podcast appearance, sharing it only with family and close friends. According to ESPN's reporting, Green described experiencing feet twitching during sleep and noted that his short-term memory has become a challenge, leading him to repeat names or write them down when meeting people for the first time.

Green holds multiple Packers records verified in official league data: the single-season rushing yards record with 1,883 in 2003 and the single-game record with 218 yards against the Broncos in 2003. He broke Jim Taylor's career rushing record during his second stint with Green Bay in the 2009 season, having originally played for the Packers from 2000 to 2006 after being acquired in a trade from the Seattle Seahawks. He also played for the Houston Texans between his two Packers tenures.

Green reported that doctors examining him said if they did not know about his early Parkinson's signs, they would have assessed him as in excellent health based on his vitals, walk, gait, and posture. He said he has focused on diet and medical treatment, stating that "the food is my medicine" and that he considers himself ahead of the disease. He confirmed taking prescribed medications and following his doctor's protocol.

Green is at least the second prominent Packers player from his era to disclose a Parkinson's diagnosis, per ESPN. Quarterback Brett Favre revealed in 2024 that he was diagnosed with the disease. In his podcast remarks, Green said Parkinson's "needs to be upfront" and "needs to be a topic that's always hit" among former players.

No independent medical verification of Green's diagnosis has been reported, and the open questions of specialized neurological assessment and prognosis remain unaddressed in the reporting.