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NFL Hall of Fame Quarterback Announces He’s Been Diagnosed With Parkinson’s
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NFL Hall of Fame Quarterback Announces He’s Been Diagnosed With Parkinson’s

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 alleged misuse of taxpayer dollars in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, spoke before the House Ways and Means Committee. He has been accused of misusing political connections to divert TANF money 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 drug for concussions that I thought would help others, and I’m sure you can understand why it’s too late for me, because I’ve recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, this is also a cause that is dear to my heart. Recently, the doctor who ran the company pleaded guilty to taking (public) money for his own use,” Favre told lawmakers Tuesday.

Favre played 20 NFL seasons, including 321 consecutive regular season and playoff games. Favre spent the majority of his career with the Green Bay Packers. He won the Super Bowl in 1996-97 and won back-to-back-to-back MVPs from 1995-1997.

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

Parkinson’s disease is a condition that causes brain deterioration and motor function by causing unintentional or uncontrolled motor movements. Previous studies have suggested that playing soccer may increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.

Favre is accused of improperly receiving program money for speaking engagements he never made. Favre allegedly accepted $1.1 million in federal TANF funds through the state of Mississippi in exchange for speeches he never made. Favre also allegedly conspired with former Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant to direct $5 million in TANF funds to build a new volleyball arena at Southern Mississippi while his daughter played for the team.

Favre has not been criminally charged and initially paid $500,000 in restitution to Mississippi in May 2020 and the remaining $600,000 in October 2021.