Brett Favre tells Congress he's been diagnosed with Parkinson's

 Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre revealed during congressional testimony on Tuesday that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, an unexpected announcement made while addressing accusations regarding his alleged misuse of public funds.

Appearing before the House Ways and Means Committee, Favre faced claims that he used his political influence to redirect taxpayer money for personal and institutional gain. "I lost an investment in a company that I believed was developing a concussion treatment, and sadly, it’s too late for me as I’ve recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s," Favre shared with lawmakers. "This is a cause close to my heart, and it’s disappointing to learn that the company’s doctor misused public funds."

Parkinson’s is a neurological condition that leads to involuntary movements, including tremors, as well as difficulties with balance and coordination. Symptoms typically worsen over time, often affecting a person’s ability to walk and speak. A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that former athletes, particularly football players with long careers, have an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s or parkinsonism.

At 54, Favre, who played in the NFL for 20 seasons and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016, was in Washington to answer questions about how he received money from the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. A state auditor accused Favre of improperly accepting TANF funds for speaking engagements he never fulfilled.

Additionally, Favre allegedly used his influence with former Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant to secure TANF money for a new volleyball facility at the University of Southern Mississippi, where his daughter played. Although Favre has not been criminally charged, he has begun repaying some of the funds.

During his testimony, Favre maintained his innocence, stating he was unaware the funds provided for speaking engagements and the volleyball project came from taxpayer dollars. However, Rep. Linda Sanchez, D-Calif., was critical of Favre's defense, urging her colleagues to support reforms to prevent the wealthy from exploiting public welfare programs. "It's time my Republican colleagues join us in ensuring that programs like TANF truly serve those in need," Sanchez stated.