By Sean Leahy · Ryan Young
Brett Favre revealed Tuesday he was “recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease” during his testimony at a congressional hearing on federal welfare reform.
The Pro Football Hall of Famer spoke before the House Ways and Means Committee that was discussing “guardrails” regarding dispersing Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds, which saw nearly $8 million go to Favre, a volleyball stadium at University of Southern Mississippi and Prevacus, a defunct drug company backed by the longtime NFL quarterback.
“Sadly, I also lost my investment in a company that I believed was developing a breakthrough concussion drug I thought would help others,” Favre said during the House hearing on Tuesday “As I’m sure you’ll understand, while it’s too late for me — I’ve recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s — this is also a cause dear to my heart. Recently, the doctor running the company pleaded guilty to taking TANF money for his own use.”
Favre, who played 20 NFL seasons, including 321 consecutive regular-season and playoff games, estimated during a 2022 interview on the “The Bubba Army” radio show that he suffered “thousands” of concussions during his football career.
Favre released a statement on social media Tuesday evening after the hearing addressing his diagnosis and thanking his fans for their support.
“First, I want to thank God for all He has done in my life,” Favre wrote. “Next, thanks to Congress for giving me the platform to discuss a much needed TANF reform.
“As you know, I was recently diagnosed w/ Parkinson’s which has been an ordeal. My wife, family, and friends have been supportive and I want to thank them for being there for me.
“To my fans and those wishing well — thank you all for the love.”
Parkinson’s disease is a condition that causes deterioration in the brain and affects motor skills. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, over one million people in the United States live with the disease and nearly 90,000 are diagnosed each year.
Favre remains tied to Mississippi welfare scandal
Favre allegedly accepted $1.1 million in federal TANF funds through the state of Mississippi. He allegedly accepted those funds in exchange for no-show speeches dating back to 2017. Favre also allegedly worked with a nonprofit organizer and former Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant to send $5 million in TANF funds to build a new volleyball arena at Southern Miss while his daughter played for the team.
Favre was not arrested, and he is not facing any criminal charges in the matter. He is one of 47 “well-connected people” who funneled $77 million in funds away from their intended recipients in one of the poorest states in the country, federal prosecutors alleged.
Favre initially repaid $500,000 to Mississippi in May 2020 and the remaining $600,000 in October 2021. The state has been going after the interest ever since. Favre said he didn’t realize the funds used at Southern Miss were intended for welfare recipients.
“I wanted to help my alma mater and benefit the community,” Favre told Congress. “Southern Miss introduced me to the nonprofit to see if they could help with 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.”