WATCH: Brett Favre Reveals Tragic Medical Diagnosis
Retired NFL quarterback Brett Favre made a shocking revelation during a congressional hearing on Tuesday, disclosing that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The announcement came while Favre was testifying before the House Ways and Means Committee, which is investigating the misuse of welfare funds in Mississippi—a scandal in which Favre has been implicated.
Favre, who led the Green Bay Packers to a Super Bowl victory, has faced scrutiny for his role in the alleged misuse of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds to finance an athletic facility at the University of Southern Mississippi, his alma mater. While he has consistently denied any wrongdoing, the accusations have followed him in recent years. The former quarterback seized the opportunity to clear his name during the hearing.
“I returned to the state the funds I had received,” Favre testified. “Even though I had provided services to the nonprofit, and even though I knew and I know I had done nothing wrong, I returned the funds, no questions asked. I had also offered to help raise funds for a new volleyball facility at Southern Miss, yeah, the one that’s gotten all the publicity. I wanted to help my alma mater and benefit the community.”
Favre said that he had no idea the funds allocated for the project were misappropriated, and stressed that the initiative had passed through several layers of legal scrutiny. “Southern Miss introduced me to the nonprofit to see if they could help with the funding. I had no way of knowing that there was anything wrong with how the state funded the project, especially since it was publicly approved by many state agencies and multiple attorneys, including the Attorney General,” he stated.
Favre’s testimony took a more personal turn when he revealed his recent health struggles. After years of advocating for concussion research and helping fund various initiatives to aid players affected by brain injuries, Favre admitted that his own health had deteriorated.
“And I’m sure you’ll understand why it was too late for me, because I’ve recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. This is also a cause dear to my heart,” he said. His disclosure stunned many in the room, as the condition is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement and can have a devastating impact on quality of life. “Recently, the doctor running the company [developing a concussion drug] pleaded guilty to taking TANF money for his own use.”
Brett Favre is widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. Known for his incredible arm strength, toughness, and competitiveness, Favre spent the majority of his career with the Green Bay Packers, where he became a fan favorite. Over his 20-year NFL career, Favre set numerous records, including being the first quarterback to reach 500 touchdown passes, 70,000 passing yards, and 6,000 completions. He led the Packers to two Super Bowl appearances, winning one in 1997, and was named NFL MVP three consecutive times from 1995 to 1997.
The hearing is part of a broader investigation into how $77 million in federal welfare funds intended for the most vulnerable Mississippi residents were misspent. Favre’s role in the scandal remains under scrutiny, but his latest testimony signals that both his career and personal life have taken significant hits in recent years.
