Brett Favre announced on Tuesday that he has Parkinson's disease. He shared the news during his congressional hearing on federal welfare reform.
"Sadly, I also lost an investment in a company I believed was developing a breakthrough concussion drug," the 54-year-old said. "It’s too late for me because I’ve recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, but this is still a cause dear to my heart."
Favre believes he suffered "thousands" of concussions during his playing days. In 2021, he advised parents to keep kids out of tackle football until at least 14.
He also revealed to OutKick that his last NFL play resulted in a head injury.
On "The Bubba Army" radio show in 2022, he reflected on how concussions were handled differently during his career.
"Concussions happen all the time. Your head hits the turf, you see flashes or ringing, but you keep playing — that’s a concussion," he explained.
Favre attended the hearing due to his connection with the Mississippi welfare scandal from 2020. Though not criminally charged, the state is suing 38 individuals or companies to recover $24 million from $77 million in federal welfare funds.
He helped raise money for a University of Southern Mississippi athletic facility but denied knowing a $5 million grant came from a welfare fund.
Favre spent 16 of his 20 NFL seasons with the Green Bay Packers. He also played for the Falcons, Jets, and Vikings.
He threw for 71,838 yards and 508 touchdowns, both ranking fourth all-time. His 336 interceptions are the most in NFL history.