NFL Hall of Famer Brett Favre recently shared a personal health diagnosis while testifying about his involvement in a high-profile welfare fund scandal.
Former NFL star Brett Favre shared on Tuesday that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He made this announcement while speaking to U.S. Congress about a separate issue regarding misused welfare money in Mississippi.
Former NFL quarterback Brett Favre testifies before the House Ways and Means Committee at the Longworth House Office Building on September 24, 2024 in Washington, DC | Source: Getty Images
Favre was linked to the scandal concerning Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds that were allegedly allocated to projects not intended for the needy. It was also suggested that Favre had connections to some of these projects.
An audit conducted in Mississippi brought to light that $5 million in funds were utilized for the construction of a volleyball facility at the University of Southern Mississippi. This school is where Favre’s daughter played and where Favre himself had deep ties as an alumnus.
Furthermore, the audit uncovered that $1.7 million from welfare funds was allocated to Prevacus, a company working on developing treatments for concussions. This was a cause Favre had supported for years. The quarterback himself was an investor in the company.
Moreover, the founder of Prevacus, Jacob VanLandingham, admitted his guilt in a wire fraud case related to the improper use of these funds.
Former NFL quarterback Brett Favre testifies before the House Ways and Means Committee at the Longworth House Office Building on September 24, 2024 in Washington, DC | Source: Getty Images
During his testimony before the House Ways and Means Committee, Brett Favre defended his actions and said he was unaware that welfare money was being used for these projects. He stated he had been misled by public officials and that his intent was never to misuse funds meant for the poor.
Though he has not been criminally charged, Favre repaid $1.1 million in welfare money he received for speeches he never gave. The Mississippi Department of Human Services has taken legal action by filing a civil lawsuit against Favre and other individuals seemingly involved.
Former NFL quarterback Brett Favre testifies before the House Ways and Means Committee at the Longworth House Office Building on September 24, 2024 in Washington, DC | Source: Getty Images
In his statement to Congress, the NFL legend also took the opportunity to reveal his recent diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.
“Sadly, I also lost an investment in a company that I believed was developing a breakthrough concussion drug I thought would help others,” Favre began, referring to Prevacus. He added, “I’m sure you’ll understand why it’s too late for me because I’ve recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s.”
Favre’s announcement sparked a strong reaction online, with many people criticizing the timing of his health disclosure during a hearing on welfare funds. One user wrote, “My grandfather had Parkinson’s. He didn’t steal a bunch of money from social programs. I don’t think they relate sir.”
Another echoed this frustration and stated, “Criminality 101 in US: claim you’ve been wronged and add sympathy wherever you can, preferably through a diagnosis of some sort. This is so textbook that it’s hilarious to watch [sic].”
Former NFL quarterback Brett Favre testifies before the House Ways and Means Committee at the Longworth House Office Building on September 24, 2024 in Washington, DC | Source: Getty Images
Some questioned whether the diagnosis was being used to shift blame. “Did he mention stealing that money from Mississippi? Is he blaming that on the Parkinson’s or is he saying he shouldn’t be held accountable for fraud because of the Parkinson’s [sic]?” one user asked.
Another wrote, “So what. My husband was as well. The disease wasn’t an excuse to commit fraud with government funding.” However, some expressed empathy toward Favre’s health condition. One fan posted, “Brave to share, hoping for the best, Brett [sic].”
Another commented, “Sorry to hear this but Brett, you can do it. Be brave!” Someone else wrote, “As far as best ever quarterbacks go. NOBODY played with as much heart as this gunslinger!!! Best wishes and prayers Brett [sic]!!! 💙”
Favre’s health announcement adds a new layer to his public profile. His journey to NFL stardom began at Southern Mississippi, where he started four years as quarterback.
He was drafted in the second round of the 1991 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons but saw little action as a rookie. After being traded to the Green Bay Packers in 1992, Favre’s career skyrocketed.
An injury to the Packers’ starting quarterback gave him an unexpected opportunity in Week 3, and from that point, Favre became a legend.
Favre led the Packers to a 9-7 record in his first year as a starter and passed for more than 3,000 yards, beginning an 18-year streak of reaching that milestone. His efforts earned him the first of 11 Pro Bowl selections.
In 1995, Favre guided the Packers to three consecutive NFC Championship games, resulting in two Super Bowl appearances, including a victory in Super Bowl XXXI. He was named NFL Most Valuable Player three years in a row from 1995 to 1997.
His record-breaking career saw him surpass numerous NFL milestones, including becoming the all-time leader in passing yards, completions, and touchdowns by the end of his tenure with the Packers in 2007.
He continued to play for three more seasons, with notable stints at the New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings. His 2009 season with the Vikings was one of his best, with over 4,000 passing yards and a career-high passer rating of 107.2.
An NFL ironman, Favre holds the record for the most consecutive games started, with 299. He finished his career with 71,838 passing yards, 508 touchdowns, and a legacy cemented as one of the greatest quarterbacks in history.
Over the years, he has been a strong advocate for research into brain trauma and concussions, conditions that have affected many NFL players, including himself.
