Ohio State Coach Ryan Day Weighs in on Justin Fields' Epilepsy
On Wednesday it was revealed that Justin Fields told NFL teams he's managing epilepsy as he heads into the 2021 NFL Draft. It was a big announcement little more than a week before the draft and could certainly change where he winds up. Ohio State head coach Ryan Day weighed in on the news shortly after the news broke.
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. The fact that he never missed a game at Ohio State speaks volumes about how he takes care of himself.
— Ryan Day (@ryandaytime) April 21, 2021
Fields was diagnosed with the condition in his youth and the symptoms have reportedly gotten shorter and less frequent over time. He doesn't have seizures as long as he takes his medication and members of his family have outgrown the condition in their 20s. Doctors believe Fields will too.
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
The most important aspect of this as far as NFL teams should be concerned is that it has never impacted his on-field ability. He's never missed a game as a result of the disorder.
Fields is projected to be a top-10 pick in next week's draft after a stellar career at Ohio State. Fields went 20-2 as a starter for the Buckeyes and accounted for 78 touchdowns in 22 starts. He also had an incredible showing at his Pro Day, breaking out a 4.44 40-yard dash and was excellent in the throwing session.
We'll see if this news impacts his stock.