CLEVELAND — Editor's note: the Locked On Buckeyes podcast in the player above is from April 21, 2021.
As the 2021 NFL Draft approaches, one of this year's top prospects has made a notable revelation to teams. According to Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, former Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields has disclosed to NFL teams that he is managing epilepsy, a medical condition that can cause seizures.
Per the report, Fields' condition has yet to affect his football career and doctors are confident that he will grow out of it. The 22-year-old was initially diagnosed with epilepsy as a child and has seen "his symptoms get shorter and less frequent over time, and he doesn't have seizures as long as he takes his medicine, a source said."
One of college football's top players over the course of the past two seasons, Fields was named the Big Ten's Offensive Player and Quarterback of the Year in both 2019 and 2020 while leading Ohio State to the College Football Playoff in both seasons. Facing Clemson in the College Football Playoff semifinal Sugar Bowl this past season, the former 5-star prospect threw for 385 yards and six touchdowns as the Buckeyes beat the Tigers 49-28.
In a tweet posted Wednesday afternoon, Ryan Day lauded his former QB for "his professionalism and the character he displays on and off the field." The OSU head coach added, "The fact that he never missed a game at Ohio State speaks volumes about how he takes care of himself."
Fields is expected to be selected in the first round of next week's draft. In recent weeks, the Georgia native has linked as high as to the San Francisco 49ers with the No. 3 overall pick.
The 2021 NFL Draft will take place in Cleveland from April 29-May 1.