Brett Favre announced Tuesday that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

The Hall of Famer announced the news during his congressional hearing on federal welfare reform.

“Sadly, I also lost an investment in a company that I believed was developing a breakthrough drug for concussions that I thought would help others,” the 54-year-old said. “I’m sure you understand that it’s too late for me, having recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, but this is also a cause that is close to my heart.”

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Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre warms up before the game between the Southern Miss Golden Eagles and the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks at MM Roberts Stadium. Favre played for Southern Miss. (Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports)

Favre recently said he believes he has suffered “thousands” of concussions during his playing career. In 2021, he encouraged parents to keep their children away from tackle football until they are 14.

Last month, he even told OutKick that he suffered a head injury during his last game in the NFL.

During an appearance on the radio show “The Bubba Army” in 2022, Favre said that concussions were less well-monitored when he was at the height of his career.

“Concussions happen all the time. You get tackled, your head hits the grass, you see flashes of light or ringing in your ears, but you can play — that’s a concussion,” he explained.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre, #4, attempts a pass against the New York Giants on October 3, 2004 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

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Favre was at the hearing because he has been linked to the 2020 Mississippi Social Security scandal. Favre has not been criminally charged, but the state of Mississippi is suing 38 individuals or companies in an attempt to recoup $24 million of the $77 million federal social security funds.

Favre, who raised money for a University of Southern Mississippi sports facility, denies knowing that a $5 million grant came from the Mississippi Community Education Center’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families welfare fund.

Favre spent 16 of his 20 NFL seasons with the Green Bay Packers. He was originally drafted by the Atlanta Falcons and played for both the Jets and Vikings after his time in Green Bay.

Former NFL player Brett Favre speaks onstage during Day 3 of SiriusXM at Super Bowl LIV on January 31, 2020 in Miami. (Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM)

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He threw for 71,838 yards and 508 touchdowns, both of which rank fourth all-time. A true gunslinger, his 336 interceptions are also the most ever.

Fox News’ Chantz Martin and Joe Morgan contributed to this report.

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