Former NFL quarterback Brett Favre recently shared with TMZ Sports that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease back in January. The Pro Football Hall of Famer mentioned that he had been experiencing difficulties using his right arm, leading to instability with tasks like holding a screwdriver. This revelation came to light during his testimony regarding a welfare scandal in Mississippi before a congressional committee.
Favre confided in TMZ Sports about his diagnosis in late August but had initially requested that the information not be made public. However, he later granted permission for the news to be shared following the congressional hearing. The quarterback recognized something was amiss when his right arm would occasionally feel “stuck,” affecting his ability to perform even simple actions such as putting on a jacket.
Several Parkinson’s specialists consulted by Favre indicated that head trauma likely played a part in the development of the disease. Given his extensive history of concussions, with Favre estimating having experienced numerous head injuries throughout his career, he acknowledged the potential link between his playing days and the onset of Parkinson’s.
In response to Favre’s diagnosis, fellow NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who played alongside Favre for three seasons with the Green Bay Packers, expressed his sentiments, noting that such health challenges unfortunately come with the territory of the sport. Rodgers emphasized the sobering reality that as athletes age, they become increasingly aware of the risks involved in their profession.
Despite his health struggles, Favre has not faced any criminal charges in connection with the welfare scandal. He has since repaid over $1 million in speaking fees tied to the welfare program and disclosed his involvement as an investor in a biotech company associated with the case, which focused on developing concussion treatments.
Favre’s football career was marked by remarkable durability, highlighted by his record-setting streak of 297 consecutive starts in the NFL, a number that extends to 321 when factoring in playoff games. He achieved significant success during his time with the Green Bay Packers, clinching three MVP awards and leading the team to victory in Super Bowl XXXI. Favre also had stints with the Atlanta Falcons, New York Jets, and Minnesota Vikings in a career spanning nearly two decades.