Former NFL quarterback and Hall of Famer Brett Favre revealed on Tuesday that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The 54-year-old made the announcement during a congressional hearing on federal welfare reform, where he also addressed his involvement in a controversial welfare scandal.

The Announcement

During the hearing, Favre shared the difficult news about his health. "Sadly, I also lost an investment in a company that I believed was developing a breakthrough concussion drug I thought would help others," Favre said. "I’m sure you’ll understand, while it’s too late for me because I’ve recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, this is also a cause dear to my heart."

Favre's health concerns are tied to his long career in professional football, during which he experienced numerous head injuries. Just last month, in an interview with OutKick, Favre admitted that he likely suffered "thousands" of concussions throughout his playing days. He has been vocal about the dangers of head trauma in football, even advocating that children avoid tackle football until they reach at least 14 years old. 

Favre also recalled how, in his era, concussions were not taken as seriously as they are today. "Concussions happen all the time. You get tackled, your head hits the turf, you see flashes of light or ringing in your ears, but you're able to play — that's a concussion," he said in a 2022 interview on "The Bubba Army" radio show.

Favre's Final NFL Moments and Health Struggles

In a candid reflection, Favre recently revealed that he sustained a head injury during his final NFL play, a painful reminder of the toll football took on his body. Despite his achievements, his post-playing career has been marked by health struggles, and his diagnosis with Parkinson’s adds to those challenges.

Parkinson's disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement, often causing tremors, stiffness, and difficulties with balance and coordination. Favre's battle with the disease highlights the long-term physical toll that professional sports can have on athletes.

The Mississippi Welfare Scandal

Favre’s Parkinson’s diagnosis comes amid his involvement in an ongoing legal battle related to the Mississippi welfare scandal, which surfaced in 2020. While Favre has not been criminally charged, he is among 38 individuals and entities named in a lawsuit by the state of Mississippi, which is attempting to recover $24 million of the $77 million in federal welfare funds misused. 

Favre is specifically linked to $5 million in welfare funds that were used to help build an athletic facility at the University of Southern Mississippi, his alma mater. He has denied knowing that the money came from welfare funds intended for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.

Brett Favre's Legacy

Despite the legal controversies and health challenges, Brett Favre’s legacy as a football player remains significant. Favre spent the majority of his 20-year NFL career with the Green Bay Packers, where he led the team to multiple playoff appearances and a Super Bowl victory. Over his career, Favre threw for 71,838 yards and 508 touchdowns, ranking fourth all-time in both categories. His aggressive, risk-taking style of play also earned him a record 336 career interceptions, the most in NFL history.

Favre’s post-career journey has been far from smooth, but his impact on the game and his advocacy for concussion awareness continue to resonate in the sports world. With the news of his Parkinson's diagnosis, Favre's battle off the field is now as significant as the triumphs he experienced on it.