In September 2024, Brett Favre, the former quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, shared that he has been “recently” diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Although the NFL Hall of Famer provided limited details about his condition, his announcement raised concerns about its implications for his overall health.
While testifying before Congress and the House Ways and Means Committee on September 24, 2024, Brett disclosed his diagnosis. This update emerged during his remarks regarding welfare accountability in Mississippi, particularly in connection to allegations about his improper use of taxpayer money. He faced accusations of misappropriating funds intended for the now-defunct drug company Prevacus, where he was an investor.
Favre shared his disappointment over a failed investment in a concussion drug, noting it’s “too late” due to his diagnosis
“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,” Brett stated.
Additionally, Brett has been accused of improperly receiving millions from a welfare fund to construct a volleyball stadium at the University of Southern Mississippi. He has denied these allegations, asserting that he was unaware the funds were designated for welfare recipients.
Parkinson’s disease is described by the Parkinson’s Foundation as “a neurodegenerative disorder that affects predominantly the dopamine-producing neurons in a specific area of the brain called substantia nigra.” While the precise cause of Parkinson’s remains unclear, researchers believe that a mix of genetic and environmental factors may contribute to its onset.
Typical symptoms of Parkinson’s include tremors, slowed movements, stiff limbs, and balance issues. Various non-motor symptoms can manifest, such as depression, anxiety, apathy, hallucinations, constipation, orthostatic hypotension, sleep disorders, loss of smell, and different cognitive impairments.
Currently, no cure exists for Parkinson’s disease, but several treatment options are available, including medications, lifestyle modifications, and surgical interventions. Although the disease itself isn’t fatal, its complications can lead to severe health risks, including death.
According to the foundation, “It is possible to have a good to great quality of life with PD.” Collaborating with healthcare providers and adhering to recommended treatments, particularly dopaminergic medications, is crucial for effectively managing symptoms.
Those with PD require this medication due to diminished dopamine levels in the brain, largely caused by neuron damage in the substantia nigra. During his extensive 20-season NFL career, Brett has discussed the injuries he sustained, including “three or four” concussions.
In a 2021 interview with Today.com, he reflected, “(There’s) no telling how many concussions I’ve had, and what are the repercussions of that, there’s no answer.
I wasn’t the best student, but I still can remember certain things that you would go, ‘Why would you even remember that?’ But I can’t remember someone that I played six years with in Green Bay … but the face looks familiar. Those type of issues that make me wonder.”
Brett has expressed concerns about the possibility of having developed CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy), a progressive brain condition identifiable only through postmortem brain tissue analysis. “I don’t know what normal feels like.
Do I have CTE? I really don’t know,” he remarked. “Concussions are a very, very serious thing and we’re just scraping the surface of how severe they are.”
Following the revelation of his Parkinson’s diagnosis, Brett addressed his supporters a few hours later. “First, I want to thank God for all He has done in my life,” he posted on X on September 24, 2024. “Next, thanks to Congress for giving me the platform to discuss a much-needed TANF reform.
As you know, I was recently diagnosed with 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. To my fans and those wishing well — thank you all for the love.”
