NFL Hall of Fame quarterback announces he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease

Former NFL star Brett Favre announced that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

The Hall of Fame quarterback, who appeared before Congress to testify about the alleged misuse of taxpayer funds under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, spoke before the House Appropriations Committee. He is accused of abusing his political connections to divert TANF funds to build a volleyball stadium at the University of Southern Mississippi, his alma mater.

“Unfortunately, I also lost an investment in a company that I believed was developing a breakthrough anti-concussion drug that I thought would help others, and I'm sure you'll understand why it's too late for me because I was recently diagnosed with Parkinson's, which is also a cause that is very close to my heart. Recently, the doctor who runs the company pleaded guilty to using (public) funds for his own purposes,” Favre told MPs on Tuesday.

Favre played 20 NFL seasons, including 321 consecutive regular season and playoff games. He spent the majority of his career with the Green Bay Packers. He won the Super Bowl in 1996-97 and was named MVP twice in a row from 1995-97.

Favre, 54, said he suffered “thousands” of concussions during his football career.

Parkinson's is a disease that causes brain damage and impairs motor skills through involuntary or uncontrolled motor movements. Studies have already shown that playing football could increase the risk of developing Parkinson's.

Favre is accused of improperly receiving program funds for speeches he never gave. Favre is alleged to have accepted $1.1 million in federal funds from the state of Mississippi's TANF program in exchange for speeches he never gave. Favre is also alleged to have conspired with former Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant to transfer $5 million in TANF funds to build a new volleyball arena in Southern Mississippi while his daughter played for the team.

No criminal charges were filed against Favre. He initially repaid Mississippi $500,000 in May 2020 and the remaining $600,000 in October 2021.