Brett Favre Reveals He Has Been Diagnosed with Parkinson’s,battles Health, Concussions
NFL Hall of Famer Brett Favre says he’s been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. His remarks came during a congressional hearing in which Favre testified about his own battles with health while also touching on the topic of federal welfare reform.
Brett Favre opens up about Parkinson’s diagnosis at congressional hearing
During a hearing on Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Favre told the House Ways and Means Committee about his Parkinson’s diagnosis Tuesday. The former Green Bay Packers wide receiver got emotional when talking about how his body was broken following all the injuries he suffered as a player.
The 54-year-old added: “Unfortunately, I will not see again an investment that was a meaningful amount for me in what I believed would be a driving purpose to develop a breakthrough concussion drug to help others. As I found out too late, I have recently been diagnosed with Parkinsons. I am sure you would understand that this is also a cause of great personal importance to me.
Brett Favre in the NFL and His Concussion History
One of the biggest legends in NFL history, Favre is most famous for carrying the Green Bay Packers to a win in Super Bowl XXXI after the 1996 season. He is also a former three-time MVP, winning the award from 1995 to 1997. Favre was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016 after retiring.
Although Favre had an impressive career, major injuries that included concussions also plagued the old gunslinger. By 2021, he acknowledged to have experienced “thousands” of concussions during his two-decade NFL career — which saw him play for the Atlanta Falcons, New York Jets, Minnesota Vikings, and notably the Packers.
Favre Endorses Safety in Youth Football
Favre has also been an outspoken proponent of youth football safety since his experiences with head injuries. He has called for kids to not begin playing tackle football until the age of 14. Favre also suffered a concussion in his final NFL game, adding to his concern about head trauma.
On The Bubba Army radio show in 2022, Favre said that concussions were commonly swept under the rug when he was playing. But the reality is concussions happen everyday. If you get tackled and your head hits the grass and you see stars or hear bells in your ears but then can play again — that’s a concussion,” she said.
What the Mississippi Welfare Scandal Has to do with Favre
Favre has also been attached to the Mississippi welfare scandal as well, along with his Parkinson’s diagnosis. Mississippi is suing 38 people and companies to reclaim $24 million of the $77 million in federal welfare funds that were misspent.
Favre, who assisted in helping raise money for a University of Southern Mississippi athletic facility, said at the time he did not know $5 million grant came from TANF funds. Favre, who has not been criminally charged in the case, remains a central figure in the ongoing legal drama.
Favre On Concussions
Though he lost his money in a concussion-treatment company, Favre is still interested in being part of research into this subject. The battle he has endured because of Parkinson’s disease – a neurodegenerative disorder often linked to head trauma — also drives him to advocate for concussions awareness and increased player safety.
It’s simply another sobering reminder of the lasting health risks that athletes, particularly in contact sports like football, take long after their playing days are over. We can only hope that his diagnosis ultimately opens up a pathway for real safety protocols as this virus continues to ravage lives at all levels of competition.
Conclusion
Brett Favre Reveals He Has Parkinson’s Brett Favre got a terrifying sports-altering concussion (he estimates at least 3 or 4) through his long NFL career. Favre is one of the NFL’s most Treasured figures, yet Favre continues to be suffering effects sports injuries that show there is still a long way to go in terms of advocacy and reform.