Alan Faneca Shares Support for Justin Fields After Epilepsy Diagnosis

Former Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields is one of the top prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft, and it was revealed Wednesday he has managed epilepsy his entire life.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, Fields had confirmed to NFL teams throughout the draft process that he has lived with and overcome the neurological disorder, which can cause seizures, for years.

Rapoport went on to add that the disorder has not influenced his on-field play and that Field’s doctors expect him to further grow out of its affects with age.

Fields is not the only high-profile player to manage epilepsy. Former Pittsburgh Steelers guard and Pro Football Hall of Famer Alan Faneca inductee has also overcame the disorder throughout his career.

Faneca shared words of encouragement with Fields on Twitter Wednesday, reminding him that he too can succeed in the NFL in spite of it.

“It is part of us, but does not define us,” Faneca added.

If I did it, so can @justnfields, and so can anyone else. It is part of us, but does not define us! #epilepsy #neverstopdreaming https://t.co/4DeAx5g3Dk

— Alan Faneca (@afan66) April 21, 2021