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Walker Reveals Pain of Multiple Personalities

Former gridiron star's book describes 'out of control' mental illness

By Sam Gale Rosen,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 15, 2008 4:21 PM CDT

(Newser) – Former football star Herschel Walker has written a book revealing his struggles with dissociative identity disorder, formerly known as multiple personality disorder. Walker says the disease was so serious it ruined his marriage and led him to endanger his own life, CNN reports. The 1982 Heisman Trophy winner blames the disorder on childhood trauma from being overweight and stuttering.

"I didn't really learn about this until about 10 years ago," said Walker, adding that he hopes his book can help others avoid his fate. "My life was out of control. I was not happy, I was very sad, I was angry and I didn't understand why."

Georgia running back Herschel Walker (34) is seen in action in this 1982 file photo.
Georgia running back Herschel Walker (34) is seen in action in this 1982 file photo.   (AP Photo)
Herschel Walker suffers from dissociative identity disorder, formerly known as multiple personality disorder. He says he had the condition during his playing days but didn't realize it.
Herschel Walker suffers from dissociative identity disorder, formerly known as multiple personality disorder. He says he had the condition during his playing days but didn't realize it.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, File)
Walker suffers from dissociative identity disorder, formerly known as multiple personality disorder. His experiences are chronicled in his book, Breaking Free, which is released this week.
Walker suffers from dissociative identity disorder, formerly known as multiple personality disorder. His experiences are chronicled in his book, "Breaking Free," which is released this week.   (AP Photo/Mario Suriani, File)
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