Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre, a Super Bowl champion and NFL Hall of Famer, recently disclosed that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The 54-year-old made the revelation during a U.S. Congressional hearing related to an ongoing welfare fraud case. Favre, who led the Packers to a Super Bowl victory in 1997 and was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2016, shared the news as part of his testimony.
The Mississippi Department of Human Services has named Favre in a civil lawsuit, accusing him of misusing federal welfare funds. Favre has consistently denied any involvement in the misuse of funds and has not faced criminal charges. However, the state auditor is pursuing him for $727,000 in interest tied to the alleged welfare misuse.
During the hearing, Favre explained his investment in a drug company that aimed to develop a concussion treatment. The company has since become defunct, resulting in a financial loss for Favre. Reflecting on this, he mentioned that the development of the drug was important to him, particularly given his recent 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. “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 enjoyed a legendary career in the NFL, spending 16 seasons with the Green Bay Packers before being traded to the New York Jets in 2007. He concluded his career with the Minnesota Vikings, playing his final two seasons there. One of his most significant achievements was becoming the only player in NFL history to win three consecutive Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards, an accomplishment he secured from 1995 to 1997.
Favre’s Parkinson’s diagnosis adds another layer to the ongoing welfare case and his personal challenges, but his contributions to football continue to leave a lasting legacy. His condition is now part of his journey, as he continues to address both legal and health concerns.
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