D. Orlando Ledbetter said:
Falcons rookie running back Jason Snelling is not just battling for a roster spot.
He's taking on a much bigger opponent in his fight to control his epilepsy.
At the University of Virginia, his condition caused him to take a medical redshirt his sophomore season and later miss practices and games. His disease was eventually diagnosed and is now treated by medication.
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Those crippling migraine headaches and dizzy spells are under control, and his stamina is just fine.
"I take medicine to help with that situation, to eliminate those issues," Snelling said. "When I'm out [at practice], I'm able to do everything that everyone else is doing."
It wasn't until his senior season that Snelling was able to talk openly about epilepsy. He's hoping a professional career will give him a platform to show that epileptics can lead a normal life.
"Definitely, as a young guy it was tough knowing that you have something that could hinder you," Snelling said. "But it can also be a positive. It teaches you a lot of things about yourself. I'm an example that you can still get through it and succeed at the highest level."
Snelling's inner strength, determination and rugged running style endeared him to his teammates and Virginia fans.
"You have to credit Jason for his resilience and his staying power under his circumstances," Virginia coach Al Groh said. "He really received a lot of support, encouragement and caring from his teammates as he went through those circumstances. He's persevered."
Falcons cornerback Tony Franklin, an undrafted rookie free agent, played with Snelling at Virginia.
"He's a real cool guy, a real hard worker," Franklin said. "For the situations that he's been through, to come out here and play good, you have to root for him."
The record heat that has marked this season's training camp has been a factor for Snelling, but despite one episode, he's been able to carry on.
