Media

While it may come as a surprise to many, Atlanta Falcons running back Jason Snelling has had to struggle against an unseen foe on his way to becoming a success in the National Football League. Snelling has epilepsy, and when it comes to waging a successful battle against the disorder, he is not alone.

Falcons running back Jason Snelling was 15 when he was diagnosed with epilepsy.

The first seizure came one morning before school. His brother couldn’t get him out of bed and, at first, thought Jason was finding a way to get out of class.

November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month and Atlanta Falcons running back Jason Snelling is doing his part to raise awareness about epilepsy. Diagnosed with epilepsy at age 15, Snelling has managed to overcome the condition and has already set career-highs in rushing attempts and yards this season. During the Falcons’ Week 9 win over Washington, the three-year veteran hosted 8-year-old Griffin Leadbetters, who also has epilepsy. In this exclusive Q&A with NFLPLAYERS.COM, Snelling talks about his breakout season, managing epilepsy and hosting Griffin at the game.

Jason Snelling knows all about reaching a goal: He's a running back for the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons. But it was another aspect of his life that helped give him the strength to overcome almost any obstacle. After developing epilepsy as a young teen, Snelling was determined to continue doing what he loved most—playing football. Here, he discusses how he found the courage to pursue his dreams and why sharing his experiences is so important.

This past Tuesday, running backs Jerious Norwood and Jason Snelling spent a very special evening with local children and their families of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The players accompanied the group to an Atlanta Braves game where the group got a chance to meet Atlanta Braves third baseman Chipper Jones and sit-in Chipper Jones’ suite to watch the game against the New York Mets. The children and families were all treated to food and beverages and had a chance to hang out with two of their favorite Falcons players.

Jason Snelling exists in an environment where you're never supposed to show pain or admit to a physical shortcoming.

NFL franchises are not exactly known for their tolerance toward health issues or physical limitations. So speaking out about how he was diagnosed with epilepsy at age 15 could draw extra scrutiny toward Snelling from league execs and player personnel reps about his fitness to play at football's highest level.