Jackson, Mississippi – Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre shocked Congress on Tuesday by revealing that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Favre disclosed this information while testifying before the House Ways and Means Committee, regarding allegations of misusing taxpayer money to benefit himself and his alma mater.
During his testimony, Favre admitted to losing money invested in a company developing a concussion drug and stated that the recent diagnosis of Parkinson’s had a personal impact on him. Parkinson’s is a degenerative brain disorder that can cause tremors, impaired balance, and difficulty with movement over time.
A study published last year linked a history of playing football to an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. The research found that former football players with longer playing careers and higher levels of competition were more likely to report having the condition.
Favre, who played in the NFL for 20 seasons and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016, was in Washington to respond to questions about his involvement in receiving federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program funds unlawfully. Allegations included receiving money for speaking engagements he never fulfilled and influencing TANF funds to be used for a new volleyball facility at the University of Southern Mississippi, where his daughter played.
Despite facing accusations of misusing public funds, Favre denied any wrongdoing during his testimony. He stated that he was unaware the money he received was from taxpayers and is now in the process of repaying the funds.
Congresswoman Linda Sanchez, a Democrat from California, criticized Favre’s actions and called for bipartisan support to reform the TANF program and prevent wealthy individuals like Favre from exploiting resources meant for vulnerable communities. Favre’s testimony shed light on the complexities of navigating public programs and the importance of transparency in financial transactions involving public money.