There is no doubt that NFL players face grueling challenges while on the football field. However, sometimes the hardest challenges come after their playing days are over.
This is the case for Green Bay Packers legend Ahman Green, as the four-time Pro Bowl running back is battling early onset Parkinson’s disease. He recently opened up about his diagnosis and shared his inspirational mindset.
Ahman Green Opens Up About Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease Diagnosis
In a conversation with NFL reporter Tyler Dunne, Green opened up about having early onset Parkinson’s disease. When asked if he’s scared of the diagnosis and how it could affect his life, Green responded courageously, saying, “No, I’m not. I’ve seen everything.”
Green added that he is familiar with death, as he has attended funerals of various family members and friends.
Ahman Green has Early Onset Parkinson’s. He looks around. He knows one domino can tip to the next, but hell no. He’s not scared.
“My clock is going to stop ticking when I want it to stop ticking.”
Full ep: https://t.co/F5sprLFqAQ pic.twitter.com/10h9FJ0OVb
— Tyler Dunne (@TyDunne) July 29, 2026
“I am a history guy, so I know, unfortunately, there’s a day where… eventually our clock stops,” Green added.
This is a tremendous outlook for Green to have, as it shows true bravery and a very mature outlook on life. For those who watched Green in the NFL, this tough outlook should not come as a surprise.
“The way I look at it, hey, my clock is gonna stop ticking when I want it to stop ticking,” Green said. “That’s how I am looking at it. And I’ve always been like that. I’m gonna be the way I ran the ball. ‘Hey, you gotta break both my legs to stop me running the ball.'”
While Green didn’t win an MVP award like Shaun Alexander of the Seattle Seahawks or win a Super Bowl like Jerome Bettis of the Pittsburgh Steelers, he was widely regarded as one of the best running backs of the 2000s.
From 2000 to 2010, Green had six seasons over 1,000 rushing yards, with five of them coming in a row. His best season was undoubtedly in 2003, when he totaled 1,883 rushing yards. What is even more impressive about this number is that he did it on only 355 rushing attempts, meaning he averaged a very impressive 5.3 yards per carry. Green was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Year that season. In 2014, Green was inducted into the Packers’ Hall of Fame.
Green is known for his toughness, so it’s not a surprise that he is approaching his health battle this way.
“I’m not gonna die easy,” Green told Dunne. “And I learned that from Walter Payton.”
Green’s attitude during such a tough time should serve as an inspiration to many.
