Challenges Faced by Herschel Walker: Obstacles and Turning Points

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Herschel Walker's life and career.

Herschel Walker is a former American football running back, renowned for winning the Heisman Trophy and Maxwell Award in 1982. He enjoyed a 15-year professional career in both the USFL and NFL. Beyond sports, Walker ventured into politics, becoming the Republican nominee in the 2022 United States Senate election in Georgia. Additionally, he was nominated to be the United States Ambassador to the Bahamas during President Donald Trump's (hypothetical) second term.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1986: Signed by the Cowboys

In 1986, Herschel Walker was signed by the Dallas Cowboys and moved to fullback, creating tension due to limiting Tony Dorsett's playing time and his higher contract.

1987: Complaints to Cowboys Management

In 1987, Herschel Walker complained to Cowboys management about being moved between different positions and Dorsett having more carries, leading to Walker becoming the main running back and Dorsett demanding a trade.

1991: Russian Roulette Incident

In 1991, Herschel Walker wrote about a competitive alter caused him to play Russian roulette, seeing "mortality as the ultimate challenge".

September 2001: Police Called to Grossman's Home

In September 2001, police were called to Cindy Grossman's home due to Herschel Walker's volatile behavior, with reports indicating Walker was armed and scaring Grossman. A therapist defused the situation, and police confiscated a handgun from Walker's car.

December 2001: Grossman Accuses Walker of Abuse

In December 2001, during the divorce filing, Cindy Grossman accused Herschel Walker of "physically abusive and extremely threatening behavior."

2001: Diagnosis of Dissociative Identity Disorder

In 2001, Herschel Walker was formally diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder (DID) after seeking professional help for being tempted to murder a man.

2001: Confrontation and Threats

Sometime around 2001, Herschel Walker had a "confrontation" with Cindy Grossman's friend, which was followed by Walker calling her to threaten her and "having her house watched".

May 2002: Police Report by Grossman's Friend

In May 2002, while receiving treatment for dissociative identity disorder, Herschel Walker was the subject of a police report made by a friend of his ex-wife, Cindy Grossman, who stated that he followed her home and she was "very frightened" of Walker.

2005: Alleged Violence Against Cheryl Parsa

In 2005, Cheryl Parsa alleged that Herschel Walker became physically violent towards her, grabbing her neck and chest, and swinging a fist at her after she found him with another woman.

2005: Restraining Order Imposed

In 2005, a restraining order was imposed on Herschel Walker regarding Cindy Grossman, after a threat was made against her life. This resulted in a temporary gun-owning ban for Walker.

2009: Employee Count Claim

In 2009, Herschel Walker claimed that Renaissance Man Food Services had over 100 employees.

January 2012: Threat Allegations by Myka Dean

In January 2012, Myka Dean reported to police that Herschel Walker threatened her when she attempted to end their relationship. She stated that he threatened to "blow her head off".

2017: False Graduation Claims Begin

Starting in 2017, Herschel Walker began making the false claim that he had graduated from the University of Georgia "in the top 1% of his class".

2018: Company Ownership Claims

In 2018, Herschel Walker acknowledged that Renaissance Man Food Services did not own any chicken processing plants and instead partnered with plant owners to sell branded chicken products.

2018: Employee Count Claim

In 2018, Herschel Walker claimed that Renaissance Man Food Services had "over 600 employees."

2019: Death of Myka Dean

Myka Dean, who had previously accused Herschel Walker of making threats against her, died in 2019.

2020: Employee Count Discrepancy

In 2020, Renaissance Man Food Services informed the U.S. government that it had eight employees, contrasting with Walker's earlier claims.

December 2021: Senate Campaign Website Claim Controversy

In December 2021, Herschel Walker's Senate campaign website claimed he graduated as the valedictorian of the entire high school, but this was later found to have no evidence. The claim on Walker's website was later removed and amended to state that Walker graduated high school "top of his class".

December 2021: Assertions about Education Deleted

In December 2021, Herschel Walker's Senate campaign website deleted the assertions about his education after inquiries from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

October 2022: Son Accuses Walker of Threats

In October 2022, Walker's adult son Christian publicly accused Walker of having threatened to kill him and his mother, criticizing Walker's public image.

October 2022: Criticism from Son Christian

In October 2022, Walker's adult son Christian publicly criticized Walker for his absence in raising his children, highlighting Walker's stance on father absence.

November 8, 2022: Walker Loses Senate Runoff Election to Warnock

On November 8, 2022, after no candidate received a majority of the vote in the general election, Herschel Walker faced Raphael Warnock in a runoff election for the U.S. Senate seat and lost. Walker conceded the election that night.

December 2022: Parsa's Allegations of Abuse

In December 2022, Cheryl Parsa alleged that in 2005, during their relationship, Herschel Walker had gotten angry and physically violent with her after she found him with another woman.