Sept. 24 (UPI) — Football legend Brett Favre has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, he revealed during a congressional hearing Tuesday in Washington.
Favre made the announcement in front of the House Ways and Means Committee while speaking about his potential misuse of taxpayer funds.
The legendary quarterback has been accused of using political connections to redirect public money to himself and the University of Southern Mississippi. He has not been criminally charged.
Jacob VanLandingham, the founder of Prevacus, a former company behind a concussion drug, pleaded guilty to wire fraud in July in connection a criminal investigation. VanLandingham admitted using Mississippi welfare funds to pay off personal debts. Favre was the top individual investor in Prevacus.
“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. “And I’m sure you’ll understand why 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, 54, retired from the NFL after the 2010 season. The 11-time Pro Bowl selection, three-time MVP and one-time Super Bowl champion was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016.
Favre ranks No. 4 all time in touchdown passes (508) and passing yards (71,838). His 336 interceptions are the most in NFL history. His 302 regular-season appearances are tied for the 10th-most in league history. His 24 playoff starts trail only Tom Brady (48), Jerry Rice (29) and Peyton Manning (27).
Parkinson’s disease, a progressive brain disorder that causes movement and mental health issues, mainly impacts people over 60 years old. There is no cure, but therapy and medicine can help reduce symptoms.
Several studies have found an increased likelihood of Parkinson’s disease for those who have suffered concussions.
A study published Monday in JAMA Neurology, revealed that about one-third of nearly 2,000 former NFL players surveyed believe they have chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a degenerative brain disorder linked to repeated impact the head.
