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.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 21, 2021
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.