- Dallas Goedert, the Super Bowl LIX champion tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles, discusses his journey with plaque psoriasis.
- After living with this autoimmune condition for 20 years, Goedert is on a mission to raise awareness.
- He aims to educate NFL teammates, fans, and anyone curious about this chronic skin condition.
Dallas Goedert made headlines as a Super Bowl LIX champion, contributing to the Philadelphia Eagles’ victory on February 9 against the Kansas City Chiefs, where he recorded two receptions for 27 yards.
“It was such an exhilarating experience. Hard to wrap my head around it; it feels surreal, yet it’s becoming more real each day now that I’m back home,” Goedert shared with Healthline following his Super Bowl triumph.
Now, Goedert’s mission is to leverage his fame as a football star to raise awareness for plaque psoriasis, a condition he has dealt with since he was diagnosed at 10 years old.
Plaque psoriasis is the most prevalent type of psoriasis, affecting approximately 80 to 90% of those diagnosed with the condition.
“Growing up, I didn’t have someone to look up to—no celebrities or famous figures with psoriasis. Sharing my story is crucial for me because if I can support even one child struggling like I did, that means the world to me,” Goedert expressed.
Plaque psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease that stems from an overactive immune response.
“It’s not just about the visible plaques; this condition is associated with other serious issues, including joint problems (psoriatic arthritis), cardiovascular risks, metabolic syndrome, and even mental health challenges like depression and anxiety,” said Dr. Adam Friedman, a dermatology professor at the George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences. He spoke to Healthline about the far-reaching implications of psoriasis.
“Numerous health problems can be linked to psoriasis since chronic inflammation can negatively impact every organ system.”
The condition leads to the formation of psoriasis plaques, which are raised, inflamed areas of skin that may be itchy and painful.
Although Goedert’s psoriasis has never hindered his ability to practice or play football, he admits that wearing pads and sweating for extended periods can exacerbate his itchiness.
“These are challenges I’ve learned to manage,” he noted. “It’s never enjoyable, but life often requires us to face difficult situations, and we just have to push through.”
The appearance of plaques can vary based on skin tone.
The National Psoriasis Foundation explains that on lighter skin, plaques typically present as raised, red patches with a silvery-white buildup of dead skin cells. On darker skin, they may appear darker and thicker, showing hues of purple, gray, or brown.
Due to their visibility, many people mistakenly believe psoriasis is contagious—but it is not.
“The plaques result from abnormal skin cell turnover driven by inflammation rather than infection,” Dr. Friedman clarified. “Despite this, many patients endure stigma and social exclusion, as onlookers see the red, flaky patches and assume the worst, which can severely impact their self-esteem and social interactions.”
Goedert knows this all too well. “As a child, I developed spots on my skin, and at school, teachers and friends would ask, ‘What is that? Is it contagious?’ Those were uncomfortable questions,” he recounted.
“Feeling embarrassed and facing those inquiries was never easy.”
As a professional athlete, Goedert still encounters similar questions. In the early days of his NFL career, he attempted to conceal his condition.
“I would wear long sleeves to hide my arms, and during outdoor workouts, I kept my shirt on while others were soaking up the sun,” Goedert remembered.
Now, he seizes these moments to educate others about plaque psoriasis.
“It’s crucial to spread awareness; I want my teammates to know that I have plaque psoriasis—it’s not contagious. It’s a condition that originates within the body and manifests externally,” Goedert stated.
When Goedert first exhibited symptoms of plaque psoriasis, his mother recognized the signs from other family members who also dealt with the condition.
“She played a key role in my journey and took me to see a doctor,” he recalled. “Since I was 10, I’ve been trying various topical treatments to manage my plaque psoriasis.”
Topical medications are typically prescribed for mild cases. “Corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, and newer non-steroidal options like tapinarof or roflumilast can help control localized plaques,” Dr. Friedman explained.
However, for Goedert, topical treatments have not been the most effective solution.
“As a football player, I sweat a lot, and with cold tubs and post-workout showers, it’s challenging to apply topicals consistently and ensure they stay on long enough to work,” he said.
His doctor suggested exploring the oral medication apremilast (Otezla), which Goedert found beneficial. Other oral treatments include TYK2 inhibitors like deucravacitinib.
“My advice to anyone dealing with this condition is to consult your doctor. There are numerous treatment options available, and you can find a solution that fits your lifestyle,” Goedert encouraged.
Dr. Friedman mentioned additional treatment options for psoriasis:
Recent advancements in psoriasis treatment are noteworthy, with innovations in targeted UV light and biologics leading the charge in managing this skin condition. Biologics like risankizumab, guselkumab, secukinumab, and bimekizumab have demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in clearing skin and reducing inflammation by targeting specific immune pathways.
Dr. Friedman, an authority in this field, underscores the success of these treatments, highlighting the shift towards aiming for clear skin as the new standard of care. As targeted therapies evolve and research into personalized medical strategies continues, the future looks promising for psoriasis patients.
Goedert, as one such patient, has teamed up with Amgen to share his experiences with psoriasis on DallasGStory.com. He values the opportunity to raise awareness about the condition and provide support to others who face similar hurdles. For him, the most fulfilling aspect is inspiring young fans and making a positive difference in their lives.
Overall, the progress in treatments for psoriasis brings hope and opportunities for patients, demonstrating that achieving clear skin is not merely a dream—it’s an attainable goal with the right strategies and support.
