Retired professional football quarterback Brett Favre reveals he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease
On Tuesday, September 24th, retired quarterback and NFL Hall of Fame member Brett Favre spoke before the House Ways and Means Committee to testify about his alleged misuse of welfare money in the state of Mississippi.
Favre is accused of improperly receiving money from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) for speaking engagements that he never made and funneling it towards his alma mater and his own personal interests.
During the hearing, the 54-year-old, who is not facing criminal charges, shared:
“Sadly, I also lost an investment in a company that I believed was developing a breakthrough concussion drug I thought would help others, and I’m sure you’ll understand why it’s too late for me because I’ve recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s.”
Parkinson’s Disease is defined by the Mayo Clinic as a “movement disorder of the nervous system that worsens over time.”
Favre spoke in support of TANF reform and is returning the funds, which he claims he did not know were improperly distributed. He continued with his explanation:
“This is also a cause dear to my heart. Recently, the doctor, running the company pleaded guilty to taking (public) money for his own use.”
Hear it from Brett Favre himself in the video below.
During his opening statement before Congress, @BrettFavre says he’s recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
Full video here: https://t.co/bANW0t3SK6 pic.twitter.com/IFQzqC847M
— CSPAN (@cspan) September 24, 2024
Brett Favre shares a statement on social media following the hearing
After news of his diagnosis began to spread, Favre issued a statement online, thanking his loved ones for their support. He wrote:
“As you know, I was recently diagnosed w/ Parkinson’s which has been an ordeal. My wife, family, and friends have been supportive and I want to thank them for being there for me.”
See the full post below.
First, I want to thank God for all He has done in my life.
Next, thanks to Congress for giving me the platform to discuss a much needed TANF reform.
As you know, I was recently diagnosed w/ Parkinson’s which has been an ordeal. My wife, family, and friends have been…
— Brett Favre (@BrettFavre) September 24, 2024
A look back at Brett Favre’s football career
Favre attended The University of Southern Mississippi before he was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 1991. The following year, he was traded to the Green Bay Packers and, three weeks into the season, was thrown into action when the team’s starting quarterback sustained an injury.
View this post on Instagram
Over his 20-year career, Favre started in a total of 321 games, more than any other quarterback in league history. Additionally, he was also the first NFL quarterback to obtain 70,000 yards, 10,000 passes, 6,000 completions, 500 touchdowns, and victories over all 32 teams.
Toward the end of his career, Favre played for the New York Jets and the Minnesota Vikings. He retired from the NFL in 2010 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016.
Our thoughts are with Brett Favre during this time.