NFL player Josh Andrews speaks out about living with narcolepsy

For the first time, Josh Andrews, offensive lineman for the Atlanta Falcons, shares his story of living with narcolepsy to raise global awareness for World Narcolepsy Day!
Josh Andrews is an American football offensive guard for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Oregon State. He has also been a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, Indianapolis Colts, and New York Jets. Josh is also a husband, father, and a person living with narcolepsy.
In this video, Josh reflects on experiencing symptoms of narcolepsy starting around age 12. However, growing up as a competitive athlete, he thought his sleepiness was due to exerting himself in sports. Eventually, Josh received a diagnosis of narcolepsy at age 26, while playing professional football with the Philadelphia Eagles. Upon learning about other symptoms of narcolepsy, Josh talks about experiencing sleep paralysis (inability to move upon falling asleep or waking up) and mild cataplexy (muscle weakness triggered by emotions).
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Today, Josh is sharing his narcolepsy story for the first time publicly in partnership with Project Sleep in honor of World Narcolepsy Day on Sept. 22, 2021. This third annual World Narcolepsy Day is a day dedicated to raising awareness of narcolepsy on a global scale.
Project Sleep, one of the 28 co-leading organizations, is a U.S.-based non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness of sleep health and sleep disorders. Josh first partnered with Project Sleep in 2020 as his non-profit of choice during the #MyCauseMyCleats campaign.
Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder of the sleep/wake cycle, affecting about 1 in 2,000 people, or 3 million people worldwide. However, experts believe the majority of people living with narcolepsy are currently undiagnosed, and thus without treatment or support. This is why Josh and Project Sleep urge global awareness for World Narcolepsy Day.
Please share this video & stay tuned for part II of Josh's story on navigating narcolepsy as an NFL player, husband & father. HUGE THANKS to Josh for raising his voice! Learn more and get involved: project-sleep.com/worldnarcol...

[@richmondnarcolepsy5609]

Josh is most a impressive role model, playing top level sports with narcolepsy. His slow recognition of narcolepsy reminds me of my younger years. Thank you Josh, for your determined perseverance and showing us possibilities, beyond what I had imagined.

[@manoverbored7403]

Pretty dang incredible to have narcolepsy and a lucrative career. Wish I could say the same. Good for you man.

[@rebeccas7799]

Thank you so much for speaking out! I have been trying to live my life to the fullest with my narcolepsy and cataplexy and knowing that you are a professional football player has given me hope to never let my narcolepsy stop me from living my best life.

[@ProBloggerWorld]

Awesome for speaking out about Narcolepsy. I am happy for you that cataplexy doesn’t hold you back this much and that you can play at the highest level. I wish you and your family all the best. 🙏🏻

[@sherrisolomon8673]

Glad to know that this famous Brotha is speaking out on behalf of us Narcoleptics.

[@karennicholson]

Thank you for speaking out. I started getting symptoms when 22 and finally tested at 30. Had cataplexy a lot then too. I had troubles driving and falling asleep but now at age 61 I’ve managed my days with an afternoon nap and have a career that is flexible!

[@nerdology1019]

I’ve always suspected I have cataplexy bc when I would practice basketball I could sink shots and play really well in pick up ball but buckle under pressure as soon as I wear a jersey or hear applause and literally feel like I’m covered in molasses trying to play thru my body giving out any time I touch the ball in game

[@xsfroger]

Awesome! Inspiring!!

[@kcgregg8585]

Thank you for sharing your story !

[@marthamerc3253]

Time to start reppin a Josh Andrews jersey

[@sarahquinn1247]

Yes time to start supporting the Atlanta Falcons wearing his jersey!

[@maxculver1307]

I feel so alone....

[@sarahquinn1247]

So glad you are raising awareness of this!

[@maxculver1307]

I have cataplexy and narcolepsy... I live in eugene. Will you please talk to me? I don't have any other ideas about what to do or experience

[@smithnate909]

WOW Josh, i remember the sleep test, and yeah, we all took it as a grain of salt. Good to see your wife there to knock you in your hardheaded butt and get tested.🤪 Hey keep up the good work, don't you forget I will always love you as my son. Take care of yourself and your family! Proud of you! Nate aka BIGG DADDY

[@debbiecooper1677]

you people that doent have this they just dont undertand us.

[@emeraldgreen1518]

ナルコレプシーなのにスポーツ選手なのか🤔