Chicago Bears QB Justin Fields opens up about his journey with epilepsy
Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields a few years ago before he was drafted by the Bears that his epilepsy diagnosis has had "zero effect on football."
Courtney Cronin reported thattThe 23-year-old Chicago Bears quarterback, who was 15 at the time, was diagnosed with epilepsy, which is the fourth-most common neurological disorder in the world, according to the Epilepsy Foundation.
"I think they tried to get all the kids out of the class when I was having it," Fields said of his first seizure. "They said I was foaming at the mouth and stuff like that."
It must have been such a difficult time for a young kid his age. He was just trying to become the best football player he could and the bets human he could.
He said the seizures have occurred about a year and a half apart, and he estimates his last one was a couple of years ago, before the draft.
"When I did have them, it was just because I didn't take my medicine," Fields said. "There was one time I had one, I wanted to see if I grew out of it, because my mom grew out of it. So let me see if I did, too. But I don't even play with it now."
Fields, who was diagnosed with epilepsy in the ninth grade, takes medication to manage the neurological condition.
Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Fields does not have seizures while he's taking medication. Other members of his family have grown out of the condition, and doctors are confident he will as well.
"Justin's health, toughness and work ethic have never been an issue and I am incredibly proud of his professionalism and the character he displays on and off the field," Ohio State coach Ryan Day said on Twitter after that report. "The fact that he never missed a game at Ohio State speaks volumes about how he takes care of himself."
| POLL | ||
2 DECEMBRE | 60 ANSWERS Chicago Bears QB Justin Fields opens up about his journey with epilepsy Do you believe Justin Fields can take the Bears to a Super Bowl ring in the future? | ||
| Yes | 49 | 81.7 % |
| No | 11 | 18.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
