OSU QB Justin Fields tells NFL teams he is managing epilepsy
Former Ohio COLUMBUS —
State football quarterback Justin Fields has told NFL teams that he is managing the neurological disorder epilepsy, per a report by NFL Network.
According to Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, doctors believe Fields will outgrow the condition, as others in his family have. The report said Fields has managed epilepsy with medication and it does not affect his athletic performance.
According to the epilepsy foundation, it is the fourth most common neurological disorder. It affects 3.4 million people in the United States and 65 million worldwide.
The condition is associated with uncontrollable seizures, however, those can vary in frequency and intensity from person to person. Fields was not known to have suffered any problems due to the condition during his Ohio State career.
A year ago at this time, Fields was expected to be the first or second quarterback taken in next week’s NFL
Draft. Now he has fallen to fifth at the position on some draft boards. It is unknown whether his medical disclosure has affected any teams’ evaluation.
The revelation provides further context for Fields’ impressive Ohio State career.
He was the two-time Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and a finalist for the Heisman Trophy in 2019. He did not miss a game over two seasons while leading OSU to a playoff semifinal berth and a national championship game appearance.
NFL players who dealt with epilepsy at some point in their life include All-Pro running back Tiki Barber and his twin brother Ronde, Hall of Fame offensive lineman Alan Faneca, Pro Bowl cornerback Samari Rolle and running back Jason Snelling.