Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network are reporting that Justin Fields of Ohio State is managing epilepsy, a neurological disorder that can cause seizures.
While the report may be news to fans, the NFL insiders state that the quarterback had already informed teams of the condition during the pre-draft process, so it probably isn't a surprise in NFL circles.
"It has not affected football [and] doctors believe he'll outgrow it, as his other family members have," wrote Rapoport.
OSU QB Justin Fields has confirmed to NFL teams during the pre-draft process that he is managing epilepsy – a neurological disorder that can cause seizures, per me and @TomPelissero. It has not affected football & doctors believe he'll outgrow it as his other family members have.
Fields is among the top candidates to be drafted No. 3 overall by the San Francisco 49ers. Head coach Kyle Shanahan, general manager John Lynch, and quarterbacks coach Rich Scangarello attended Fields' pro day in Columbus, Ohio, on April 14.
The other top prospects on San Francisco's radar are Mac Jones of Alabama and Trey Lance of North Dakota State.
"Justin Fields wouldn't be the first NFL player to excel while managing epilepsy," reports Tom Pelissero of NFL Network (h/t to Patrick Tulini). "Pro Football Hall of Fame guard Alan Faneca took medication to control seizures throughout his career. Fields was diagnosed years ago, and as long as he's taking his medication, he has had no issues."
The NFL Draft begins next week, on Thursday, April 29.
49ers sign 4th-round draft pick CJ West to 4-yr, $5.2M rookie deal
By David Bonilla
Jun 13
The San Francisco 49ers have officially signed former Indiana defensive tackle CJ West to his rookie contract. Selected in the fourth round (No. 113 overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft, West becomes the latest addition to finalize his deal from the team's incoming rookie...
49ers face tough choice in Bleacher Report's 2024 NFL re-draft
By David Bonilla
Jun 6
Would the San Francisco 49ers rethink their 2024 draft strategy if they could go back, knowing how a disappointing season played out? Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox explored that hypothetical for every NFL team, rewinding the clock and projecting how the 2024 NFL Draft might...
George Kittle sends hilarious message to Brock Purdy after mega-deal with 49ers
By David Bonilla
13 hrs
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle signed a four-year, $76.4 million contract extension this offseason, while star linebacker Fred Warner landed a three-year, $63 million deal. Yet neither contract comes close to the headline-grabbing extension secured by their...
49ers minicamp: Key observations from Tuesday's practice
By David Bonilla
Jun 10
The San Francisco 49ers kicked off mandatory minicamp this week, with practice sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday morning. This minicamp wraps up the team's offseason program and marks the final opportunity to evaluate players before the 49ers break until training camp begins in...