Green Bay Packers rookie defensive lineman Nazir Stackhouse on Sunday opened up about a rare condition which he says has presented a major challenge throughout his football career. Stackhouse, an undrafted defensive tackle out of Georgia, explained he often falls asleep at a moment’s notice, even in the middle of major football games. The issue, he said, is related to narcolepsy, a neurological disorder which disrupts the regulation of one’s circadian rhythm.
Packers Rookie Nazir Stackhouse Opens Up About Rare Condition: 'It's a Challenge' originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Green Bay Packers rookie defensive lineman Nazir Stackhouse on Sunday opened up about a rare condition which he says has presented a major challenge throughout his football career.
Stackhouse, an undrafted defensive tackle out of Georgia, explained he often falls asleep at a moment’s notice, even in the middle of major football games. The issue, he said, is related to narcolepsy, a neurological disorder which disrupts the regulation of one’s circadian rhythm.
Narcolepsy, he said, sometimes impacted his performance on the field in college.
“There’d be times when our offense is out there for 15 plays and I’m like, ‘I’m tired,’” Stackhouse said of his time with the Bulldogs while attending Packers training camp, per Sports Illustrated. “‘Hurry up and score so we can go back on defense.’”
The condition has affected him throughout his “whole life,” Stackhouse said. To help control the effects of narcolepsy, Stackhouse added he received approval from the NFL to use “a type of Adderall,” which assists with focus and alertness.
Stackhouse said his condition led him to become known by his Georgia teammates as “Big Sleepy.”
“Just having narcolepsy all the way up to now, it’s a challenge,” Stackhouse said. “Your friends think you’re lazy. Friends, they call you Sleepy. Everyone calls me Sleepy.”
“At Georgia, that was my nickname, Big Sleepy,” he added. “But I embraced it. It was a joke from the beginning, but it’s a part of me. It’s something I can’t run away from, so I just have to learn how to live with it.”
Before taking his current medication, Stackhouse said he would refrain from driving to prevent himself from falling asleep behind the wheel. Stackhouse said he also used several strategies to keep himself awake during team meetings, such as taking detailed notes, standing instead of sitting and flicking himself with rubber bands.
Narcolepsy, he added, will not deter him in his pursuit of a roster spot with the team as he eyes a potential second-team or starting role. Stackhouse said the Packers appear to have faith in him as he received a guaranteed $150,000, which is greater than what the team’s seventh-round picks received.
“I’m striving to get more,” he said. “They want to give me $150,000, that’s great, but I just want them to know that I’m going to get more and I’m going to show you why I should have more. And that’s the whole goal is to get a three-year contract and then something. That’s my whole goal.”
“Basically, whatever the coach needs me to do, I can do that and then some,” Stackhouse added. “‘You need me to be a backup for Kenny Clark? I can do that, Coach.’ Sh**, if you need me to start, I can do that, too, as well.”
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Football
