NFL Hall of Famer Brett Favre recently shared a personal health diagnosis while testifying about his involvement in a high-profile welfare fund scandal.
Former NFL star Brett Favre shared on Tuesday that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He made this announcement while speaking to U.S. Congress about a separate issue regarding misused welfare money in Mississippi.
Favre was linked to the scandal concerning Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds that were allegedly allocated to projects not intended for them. It was also suggested that Favre had connections to some of these projects.
An audit conducted in Mississippi brought to light that $5 million in funds were utilized for the construction of a volleyball facility at the University of Southern Mississippi. This school is where Favre’s daughter played and where Favre himself had deep ties as an alumnus.
Furthermore, the audit uncovered that $1.7 million from welfare funds was allocated to Prevacus, a company working on developing treatments for concussions. This was a cause Favre had supported for years. The quarterback himself was an investor in the company.
Moreover, the founder of Prevacus, Jacob VanLandingham, admitted his guilt in a wire fraud case related to the improper use of these funds.
During his testimony, Brett Favre defended his actions and said he was unaware that welfare money was being used for these projects. He stated he had been misled by public officials and that his intent was never to misuse funds meant for the poor.
Though he has not been criminally charged, Favre repaid $1.1 million in welfare money he received for speeches he never gave. The Mississippi Department of Human Services has taken legal action by filing a civil lawsuit against Favre and other individuals seemingly involved.
In his statement to Congress, the NFL legend also took the opportunity to reveal his recent diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. “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, referring to Prevacus. He added:
“I’m sure you’ll understand why it’s too late for me because I’ve recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s.”
Favre’s health announcement adds a new layer to his public profile. A three-time NFL MVP and Super Bowl champion with the Green Bay Packers, he played in more than 300 games throughout his 20-year career.
Over the years, he has been a strong advocate for research into brain trauma and concussions. These are serious conditions that have affected many players in the NFL, including himself.
