NFL Hall of Famer Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Hall of Fame quarterback and Green Bay Packers legend Brett Favre revealed during a congressional hearing on Capitol Hill on Thursday that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a degenerative nervous system disorder that causes parts of the brain to deteriorate and affects movement.

The disease’s symptoms, such as shaking and difficulty with balance and coordination, gradually worsen over time and often progress to challenges with walking and speaking.

On Tuesday, Favre appeared before the House Ways and Means Committee regarding his alleged involvement in a sprawling Mississippi welfare case.

"Sadly, I also lost an investment in a company that I believed was developing a breakthrough concussion drug I thought would help others. I’m sure you’ll understand why it’s too late for me, as I’ve recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s," Favre told lawmakers.

Favre referenced Prevacus, a company developing a concussion drug that received $2 million in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds. Favre was the top investor in Prevacus. Text messages showed Favre asking government officials for help securing funds for the company in November 2018.

In July, Jacob VanLandingham, the founder of Prevacus, pleaded guilty to wire fraud. He admitted to using Mississippi welfare money to pay off gambling and other debts.

The NFL Hall of Famer is also accused of receiving payments for speeches he never made appearances for.

Favre played in the NFL for 20 years, mostly for the Green Bay Packers but also for the Atlanta Falcons, New York Jets, and Minnesota Vikings. He led the Packers to a Super Bowl title in 1997, defeating the New England Patriots.