During a congressional hearing Tuesday, NFL Hall of Famer Brett Favre revealed he had Parkinson's disease. Favre announced his diagnosis at a hearing about his reported misdirection of welfare funds in Mississippi.
Favre revealed the diagnosis while discussing Prevacus, a company in which he invested money. Prevacus was reportedly working on a "breakthrough concussion drug," according to Favre.
While lamenting losing that investment, Favre announced his Parkinson's diagnosis.
"Sadly, I also lost an investment in a company that I believed was developing a breakthrough concussion drug I thought would help others," Favre said. "And I'm sure you'll understand why it's too late for me, because I've recently been diagnosed with Parkinson's. This is also a cause dear to my heart."
Favre appeared at the hearing after being accused of misdirecting $77 million in funds meant for Mississippi welfare families.
What is Parkinson's disease?
Favre revealed his Parkinson's diagnosis during opening remarks Tuesday.
Hall-of-Fame QB Brett Favre announced that he recently was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. pic.twitter.com/dU0RL0nmsH
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 24, 2024
Parkinson's disease is a "movement disorder of the nervous system that worsens over time," according to the Mayo Clinic. The symptoms reportedly start slowly, with the most common being a slight tremor in the foot or hand. Symptoms can also vary from person to person. Some experience slurred speech; others suffer from slowed movement or rigid muscles. The most commonly thought of symptom is tremors in the hands, similar to what Michael J. Fox exhibits.
Parkinson's disease is not directly fatal, but the symptoms can make life more challenging. There are medicines to take and even elective surgeries that can lessen some symptoms.
Brett Favre lawsuit, explained
Mississippi has a non-profit program called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). It uses its funds to provide assistance to some of the country's poorest people. However, the state's Department of Human Services spent $77 million that was intended for the TANF program.
Favre was accused of being involved in this scheme, albeit not the main perpetrator. He allegedly received $1.1 million of those funds for speeches he never gave. Favre allegedly used that money to help fund a new volleyball facility at the University of Southern Mississippi.
The retired quarterback has since repaid the $1.1 million and has not officially been charged with a crime. He was called to testify before Congress for this welfare case's hearing. Mississippi state auditor Shad White called this case the "largest public embezzlement case in state history."
Favre claimed Tuesday he had no way of knowing that there was anything suspicious or wrong about how the state funded the project to build the new volleyball facility. Favre said he was just trying to help his alma mater.
How old is Brett Favre?
Favre will turn 55 in mid-October. Parkinson's is more common in older adults, usually starting around 50. It's also more common in men.
How long did Brett Favre play in the NFL?
Favre spent 20 seasons in the NFL. While he was most famously known as a member of the Green Bay Packers, he also spent time with the Jets, Falcons, and Vikings during his Hall of Fame career.
Since leaving the NFL, Favre has been a high school football offensive coordinator and became a prominent figure in Wrangler jeans advertisements, among others.
