Brett Favre, the Hall of Famer and former NFL quarterback, revealed on Tuesday that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The announcement came during his congressional hearing on federal welfare reform, where he also shared his personal experience with the disease.
Favre expressed his regret over losing an investment in a company that was working on a concussion drug, a cause that is now close to his heart as he battles Parkinson's. He disclosed that he believes he suffered numerous concussions during his playing career, advocating for safer practices in youth football.
Reflecting on the prevalence of concussions during his time in the NFL, Favre highlighted the lack of strict protocols for managing head injuries. He described the common symptoms of concussions, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and prevention.
Aside from his health concerns, Favre's appearance at the hearing was also linked to the Mississippi welfare scandal from 2020. While he has not faced criminal charges, the state of Mississippi is pursuing legal action against several individuals and entities to recover misappropriated welfare funds.
Favre, known for his tenure with the Green Bay Packers and impressive career statistics, threw for over 70,000 yards and 500 touchdowns. Despite his on-field success, he now faces a new challenge with his Parkinson's diagnosis, shedding light on the long-term impact of sports-related injuries.