Tackling Type 1 Diabetes: NFL Players Turning Challenges into Triumphs

NFL Players with T1D

Here are seven NFL players who defied expectations and proved that type 1 diabetes (T1D) is no barrier to greatness.

Mark Andrews: Advocating Through Action

Mark Andrews, a star tight end for the Baltimore Ravens, has become one of the most visible NFL players managing T1D. Diagnosed at the age of nine, Mark has built an inspiring career, overcoming both the physical demands of football and the complexities of living with T1D. His recent playoff game drew attention for a missed catch, but Mark has repeatedly proven that his impact extends far beyond the field.

“I adapted a mindset that this disease is a part of who I am, but it's not going to define me, and it's never going to stop me in achieving my dreams. Type 1 diabetes is incredibly difficult, but I refuse to let it affect my job or my life in any way,” Mark told UMass Chan Medical School.

Through initiatives like the Mark Andrews GoFundMe Campaign, he raises awareness and funds to support families navigating the challenges of diabetes. Mark emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive community and increasing access to diabetes resources, demonstrating how resilience and advocacy can make a lasting difference.

Noah Gray: Living the NFL Dream with T1D

Noah Gray, a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, will soon showcase his skills on one of the biggest stages in sports: the Super Bowl LIX. Diagnosed with T1D at the age of 18, Noah’s journey from a young adult learning to manage a chronic condition to becoming a professional football player is nothing short of inspiring. From long practices to high-pressure games, his ability to balance the demands of the NFL with his health management speaks volumes about his determination.

Noah shared with NFL.com how preparation plays a pivotal role in his success: “You have to put in as much time managing it (diabetes) as you do in your job."  

From fueling his body with the right nutrition to timing his insulin injections, Noah’s meticulous approach allows him to focus on the game without letting diabetes hold him back. 

"When I'm not working out, my blood sugar is a lot harder to control," Noah said. "When you're more fit and more active, it's really beneficial to maintaining your blood sugar. So when I take my month off after the season's over, I have to take pretty much double the insulin that I would take while I'm in-season because I'm not working out and getting that exercise." 

With Noah Gray suiting up for the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl LIX, fans living with T1D have a player to root for who truly represents their journey. Noah will step onto the field not just as a talented athlete but as an inspiration for millions managing T1D. His journey serves as a powerful reminder that diabetes doesn’t have to hold anyone back from achieving greatness.

His advocacy off the field is equally commendable. By sharing his story, Noah provides hope to young athletes managing T1D, proving that their dreams are within reach. 

The Super Bowl isn’t just an opportunity for Noah to shine — it’s a chance to inspire millions watching at home, showing them that living with diabetes doesn’t mean compromising on ambition. For anyone doubting what’s possible with T1D, Noah Gray is living proof that hard work, preparation, and resilience can turn challenges into triumphs.

Chad Muma: A Rising Star on and off the Field

Chad Muma, a linebacker for the Jacksonville Jaguars, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 13. Muma understands firsthand the importance of balancing football's physical demands with the complexities of managing his T1D. 

Being a linebacker in the NFL means taking on one of the most demanding positions in football. Linebackers are the backbone of the defense, responsible for reading the opposing offense, stopping the run, and covering receivers in passing plays. It’s a role that requires a rare combination of physical toughness, quick decision-making, and the ability to react to plays in an instant. 

For Chad, balancing the high-speed, high-contact demands of this position with managing T1D is a testament to his incredible discipline and focus. Each play brings split-second decisions, but for Chad, it also involves ensuring his body is ready to perform at its peak.

During his second annual "Muma Movement" event, held in partnership with the Jaguars Foundation, Chad welcomed children with T1D to TIAA Bank Field for a day of inspiration and activity. He showed participants that diabetes doesn’t have to limit their dreams, offering a glimpse into how he monitors and manages his blood sugar during practices and games.

The event provided a safe space for kids with diabetes to engage in football drills, build confidence, and connect with others facing similar challenges. 

Chad expressed the importance of these connections, telling Action News Jax, “I’m just trying to be an advocate for the kids in Jacksonville and just around the United States that have diabetes, just saying, like, you know, don’t let your diabetes hold you back from achieving the goals that you want to want to do, and you know, whatever aspirations that they have, they’ll be able to achieve it.” 

Chad’s dedication to the diabetes community extends beyond his role as an athlete. By using his platform to advocate for awareness and resources, he continues to inspire young people to pursue their dreams while managing their health.

Jake Byrne: Advocating for Diabetes Awareness

Jake Byrne’s journey began long before his NFL career. Diagnosed with T1D during his teenage years, Jake faced the challenge of managing diabetes while pursuing a dream many would deem impossible. As a tight end, he played for teams like the San Diego Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs. 

Jake’s role as a tight end required him to be one of the most adaptable players on the field. 

Tight ends are often asked to switch seamlessly between two demanding responsibilities — acting as a powerful blocker in the trenches one moment and becoming a reliable pass-catcher the next. 

Every snap presented a new challenge, whether holding the line against aggressive defenders or sprinting downfield to make a crucial catch. His position demanded strength, agility, and a sharp football IQ—qualities Jake exemplified despite the added challenges of T1D.

Every decision—from pregame meals to insulin timing—was critical. Jake relied heavily on his preparation and discipline to ensure his body could meet the physical demands of football while managing his blood sugar swings. For him, every success on the field was a testament to overcoming obstacles.

Jake has since become a passionate advocate for diabetes awareness. Through public speaking engagements and social media outreach, he actively shares his journey to inspire young athletes with T1D to pursue their dreams. 

As the author of "First and Goal: What Football Taught Me About Never Giving Up," Jake uses his platform to highlight the importance of resilience, preparation, and perseverance in both sports and diabetes management.

Blake Ferguson: Snapping for Cures

Blake Ferguson, a long snapper for the Miami Dolphins, has made a name for himself both on the field and in the diabetes community. Diagnosed with T1D at the age of 13, Blake faced the dual challenges of adolescence and managing T1D. However, he didn’t let diabetes define his path. 

The role of a long snapper may not always grab headlines, but it is one of the most specialized and precise positions on the field. Tasked with delivering pinpoint snaps during punts and field goals, long snappers operate under intense pressure, knowing that one misstep could shift the game’s momentum. Their position requires laser focus, unwavering accuracy, and split-second timing.

Blake is not only excelling in his NFL career but also making an impact off the field as an ambassador for Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF). Through his partnership, he actively raises awareness and funds to support T1D research and education. 

One of his notable initiatives, the Snaps for Cures Campaign, connects his snaps during the NFL season with donations to support diabetes research and education through Breakthrough T1D. This innovative approach combines his athletic career with his mission to help others living with T1D.

Blake has often reflected on the importance of representation and mentorship for young athletes managing diabetes. After his diagnosis at age 13, Blake recalls a pivotal moment: “As we’re headed to the hospital from the doctor’s office, she caught me looking at my phone at famous athletes with type 1 diabetes because I wanted to know that I could achieve playing football at the highest level with this disease,” Blake told Breakthrough T1D. 

His advocacy, through efforts like the Snaps for Cures Campaign, continues to inspire others to see T1D not as a limitation but as a challenge that can be met with resilience and determination.

Jay Cutler: Leading the Charge as a Quarterback

Diagnosed with T1D in 2008 at the age of 25, Jay Cutler’s world was turned upside down. As an established NFL quarterback, he was already facing the grueling physical and mental demands of professional football. 

A quarterback is the heartbeat of the team, responsible for reading defenses, calling audibles, and delivering accurate passes — all while staying cool in the face of relentless defenders. The position demands a unique combination of physical skill, mental agility, and unwavering composure. 

Whether threading the needle on a pass, managing the clock, or rallying teammates during critical moments, the quarterback’s role is pivotal to a team’s success. The adrenaline of game days, the intensity of practices, and the stress of split-second decisions on the field added layers of complexity. 

The retired QB turned to advanced technology like continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and insulin pumps to keep his blood sugar levels in check during high-stakes moments, proving that even under pressure, he could adapt and excel.

Jay discussed his challenges managing T1D while playing professional football in an interview with ESPN. 

"It's something you go to sleep with, and you wake up with every day," he said. "It's not something that you can just be like, 'Hey, I'm going to take a day off here, and I'll catch back up with it tomorrow.'"

Jay’s journey inspired countless fans and proved that even in one of the world’s most demanding sports, T1D is manageable with determination and support.

Kendall Simmons: Championing the Offensive Line

Kendall Simmons, a former NFL offensive guard, played eight seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills between 2002-2009. Simmons was blindsided by his T1D diagnosis right before the 2003 NFL season with the Steelers. 

Kendall also highlighted the importance of creating a support system: “The Steelers organization, my coaches, and my teammates made a huge difference in helping me adjust.”  With the help of his medical team and coaching staff, Kendall found ways to thrive, becoming a beacon of hope for others navigating diabetes in high-pressure environments.

Imagine suiting up as an offensive guard, a role that demands brute strength, quick reflexes, and endless endurance. Offensive linemen are responsible for protecting the quarterback and creating openings for running plays — tasks that require maintaining peak physical performance every second on the field. 

Now, add to that the challenge of navigating the unpredictable terrain of blood sugar highs and lows. The symptoms were relentless: sudden fatigue during plays, lightheadedness in the huddle, and a constant need to monitor his body’s signals. 

But Kendall didn’t let these challenges sideline him. He became a cornerstone of the Steelers’ offensive line, contributing to two Super Bowl victories and showing the world that grit and preparation could overcome even the toughest obstacles.

Kendall openly shared his struggles with managing blood sugar during games. In an interview with The Life of a Diabetic, he said, “I started noticing that my blood sugar would drop during games, and I had no idea what was going on. It was scary not understanding what my body was doing while trying to play at the highest level.” 

Today Kendall works as the new offensive line coach at Middle Tennessee State University. He also lends a hand to numerous diabetes charities and fundraisers.

Shaking Off Challenges with Resilience

This year’s Super Bowl buzz isn’t just about the game — it’s also about who’s watching. With pop icon Taylor Swift expected to attend in support of Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce, the spotlight will extend beyond the field. 

Just as Swift has built a career defying expectations and connecting deeply with her fans, these NFL players living with T1D are redefining what’s possible in sports.

Their resilience and dedication resonate with fans, reminding everyone that managing diabetes, much like navigating the high-pressure world of football, takes preparation, community, and determination. As Taylor cheers on her boyfriend from the stands, fans can look to the field for stories of perseverance and triumph — proving that both on and off the gridiron, dreams can be achieved.