Changer

Dallas Goedert is still riding high after the Philadelphia Eagles’ 40-22 Super Bowl LIX victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. “It was a ton of fun,” he told PEOPLE. “It’s still hard to believe. It feels like I’m dreaming, but I’m enjoying it, that’s for sure.” But even more than the win, Goedert is relieved to have made it through the Eagles game without any flare-ups of his plaque psoriasis.

Goedert, who was diagnosed with psoriasis around age 10, has struggled with the chronic autoimmune disease for over 20 years. Psoriasis causes rapid skin cell growth, leading to inflamed, scaly patches. Plaque psoriasis, the most common type, is characterized by raised, red patches with silvery-white scales, typically appearing on the scalp, trunk, and limbs. Goedert’s experience as an athlete made dealing with the condition particularly challenging.

“I’d have friends, teachers asking me what it is. Being a kid with that, it was tough to tell people,” he recalled. “So I tried to hide it. I would wear long sleeves if it was on my arms and I tried to cover it up on and off the field.” Locker room situations were especially difficult, with questions about contagiousness adding to his embarrassment. The itching caused by flare-ups also presented a distraction during Eagles games. Topical treatments proved ineffective for Goedert due to the physical demands of football, including frequent sweating and hot/cold tub use.

However, Goedert has recently found relief through a partnership with Amgen and a new treatment: the oral medication Otezla. “It has been a complete game changer for me. Finding that has just made my life a little bit easier and I’m thankful for that,” he shared, encouraging others with similar struggles to work with their doctors to find solutions. Goedert has also embraced his condition, using his platform to raise awareness about plaque psoriasis.

Now, with his health concerns under control, Goedert is fully focused on celebrating the Eagles’ Super Bowl win. He described the team’s after-party, which included an appearance by Shane Gillis, and expressed excitement for the upcoming victory parade. “It seems like it’s going to be a week-long celebration,” he said.

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