M10news — Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre announced on Tuesday that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease during a congressional hearing focused on federal welfare reform.
The 54-year-old football legend shared his diagnosis while discussing his involvement in a company that was purportedly developing a breakthrough concussion drug.
“Sadly, I also lost an investment in a company that I believed was developing a breakthrough concussion drug I thought would help others,” Favre stated. “I’m sure you’ll understand; while 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 has previously mentioned that he believes he suffered “thousands” of concussions throughout his 20-year NFL career. In a 2021 interview, he urged parents to delay their children’s participation in tackle football until they reach the age of 14. Last month, he recounted a head injury he sustained during his final play in the NFL.
While discussing the issue of concussions on “The Bubba Army” radio show in 2022, Favre expressed concern about how the sport handled head injuries during his playing days. “Concussions happen all the time. You get tackled, and your head hits the turf, you see flashes of light or ringing in your ears, but you’re able to play — that’s a concussion,” he explained.
Favre’s appearance at the hearing was also linked to his connection to the Mississippi welfare scandal, which has garnered significant attention since 2020. While he has not been criminally charged, Mississippi is pursuing legal action against 38 individuals and companies to recover $24 million from $77 million in federal welfare funds. Favre has denied any wrongdoing, claiming he was unaware that a $5 million grant for a University of Southern Mississippi athletic facility originated from a Temporary Assistance for Needy Families welfare fund.
Former #Packers QB Brett Favre announced that he was recently diagnosed with Parkinson's disease while testifying at a House hearing on welfare reform.pic.twitter.com/r7veggL1Za
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 24, 2024
Favre spent 16 of his 20 NFL seasons with the Green Bay Packers and is regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in football history. The Atlanta Falcons originally drafted him, and he also played for the New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings. Favre ranks fourth all-time in passing yards with 71,838 and touchdowns with 508 while holding the record for the most interceptions in NFL history at 336.
