Dallas Goedert’s 10-Year Psoriasis Battle Forged the Unmovable Rock He Is Today

Before Dallas Goedert became one of the NFL’s toughest tight ends, he was a 10-year-old boy quietly fighting a battle most couldn’t see. Diagnosed with plaque psoriasis—a chronic autoimmune condition that causes painful, red, and scaly patches on the skin—Goedert spent much of his childhood and teenage years not just battling opponents on the field, but his own body and self-image.

Growing up in the small town of Britton, South Dakota, Goedert tried to hide his condition as best he could. He wore long sleeves even on the hottest days and avoided situations where others might see the raw, irritated skin on his arms and legs. The emotional toll was as heavy as the physical discomfort. “It affected my confidence,” Goedert has admitted. “There were times I didn’t feel like I belonged out there.”

For eight grueling years, the disease challenged his self-esteem and his mental toughness. He was often embarrassed, especially as a young athlete whose peers didn’t understand what he was going through. But instead of letting it define him, Goedert chose to let it fuel him. The struggle taught him discipline. The setbacks built resilience. And the daily discomfort? It only made him mentally stronger.

By the time he joined South Dakota State as a walk-on—still far from the NFL spotlight—Goedert had already developed the mental armor of someone who knew how to fight through adversity. He credits those hard years with preparing him not only for the hits on the field but for the pressure that comes with being a professional athlete.

Today, Goedert is open about his journey with psoriasis. He’s used his platform to raise awareness and give hope to others living with the condition. “It doesn’t define you,” he says. “It’s just part of your story.”

His story, however, is anything but ordinary. It’s a reminder that some of the strongest players are forged in silence—battling demons that never show up on the scoreboard.

Dallas Goedert’s fight didn’t begin in the NFL. It began with a disease, a decade of doubt, and a decision not to quit.