Brett Favre, one of the greatest quarterbacks in National Football League history, testified before Congress on Tuesday that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
The Hall of Fame signal-caller made the claim while sitting before a House Ways and Means Committee hearing about Prevacus … a company that makes a concussion drug that received $2 million under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families fund.
Favre was the top investor in Prevacus — and text messages show he began asking state officials for help securing funding for the company in November 2018.
“Sadly, I also lost an investment in a company that I believed was developing a breakthrough drug that would help others,” Favre said in his opening remarks.
“And I’m sure you’ll understand why it’s too late for me, as I’ve recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. This is also something very close to my heart.”
Favre has been accused of using his political connections to transfer public money to his school and into his bank account.
He reportedly siphoned millions of dollars for himself and for a new volleyball stadium at the University of Southern Mississippi, where his daughter plays on the volleyball team.
Prevacus’ founder, Jacob Vanlandingham, pleaded guilty to wire fraud in July, admitting he used Mississippi welfare money to pay gambling and other debts.
According to a 2019 Mississippi state audit, at least $77 million in TANF funds meant for poor families were diverted to the rich and powerful. Favor is one of them.
For this reason, many people think Brett Favre is worthless.
Many also question whether or not he actually has Parkinson’s disease – and wonder how that relates to the allegations above, even if they are true.
Parkinson’s is a brain disorder that causes unexpected or uncontrolled movements.
Symptoms such as tremors, difficulty with balance and co-ordination gradually get worse over time and often lead to difficulties with walking and speaking.
Favre, who has denied any wrongdoing (he said today that state officials are “unfairly trying to indict me”), played 20 seasons in the NFL.
A three-time MVP and Super Bowl champion, Favre was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016.