Brett Favre Speaks Out After Sharing Parkinson’s Disease Diagnosis, Says It’s Been an ‘Ordeal’

Mar. 15, 2025

Brett Favre appears before the House Committee on Ways and Means on Capitol Hill.Photo:AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein

AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein

Brett Favre is thanking the public for its support afterdisclosing his Parkinson’s Disease diagnosisbefore a congressional hearing on Capitol Hill.

On Tuesday, Sept. 24, the retired NFL star, 54, shared a message on social media, speaking out after revealing earlier in the day that he now has the incurable disorder.

“First, I want to thank God for all He has done in my life,”his tweetbegan. “Next, thanks to Congress for giving me the platform to discuss a much needed TANF [Temporary Assistance for Needy Families] reform.”

Brett Favre, June 2022.Patrick McDermott/Getty

Patrick McDermott/Getty

Favre is currently involved ina Mississippi lawsuitalleging that he and dozens of others took money meant to go to welfare programs, instead pocketing the money for their personal use. He has denied the claims and has not been criminally charged.

“As you know, I was recently diagnosed w/ Parkinson’s which has been an ordeal.My wife, family, and friends have been supportive and I want to thank them for being there for me,” he added.

The former Green Bay Packers quarterback concluded, “To my fans and those wishing well — thank you all for the love.”

According to theMayo Clinic, Parkinson’s is a brain disease that impacts a person’s nervous system, causing uncontrollable physical movements such as shaking, as well as making it difficult to speak.

Brett Favre appears before the House Committee on Ways and Means on Capitol Hill.AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein

“Sadly, I also lost an investment in a company that I believed was developing a breakthrough concussion drug I thought would help others, and I’m sure you’ll understand why it’s too late for me because I’ve recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s,” the former football star reportedly said before lawmakers, according toNBC News,ESPNandFox News.

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“This is also a cause dear to my heart. Recently, the doctor running the company pleaded guilty to taking [public] money for his own use,” Favre added.

Additionally, Favre andex-Mississippi Governor Phil Bryantwere accused of using at least $5 million of the funds to builda volleyball stadiumat his alma mater, the University of Southern Mississippi. The school also happens to be where his daughter was playing volleyball at the time.

PEOPLE previouslyreportedthat Favre claims to have repaid the debt. However, according to the state auditor, the retired quarterback still owes $228,000 in interest.

source: people.com