Brett Favre revealed that he was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease while testifying before Congress during a hearing on federal welfare reform. The 54-year-old NFL Hall of Famer made the announcement while discussing his involvement with Prevacus, a drug company developing a concussion treatment. Favre’s business partner, Jake VanLandingham, recently pleaded guilty to illegally receiving over $2 million in federal funds as part of the ongoing Mississippi welfare scandal.
Favre expressed regret over his investment in the company and mentioned that his diagnosis makes this cause personal for him. During the hearing, he also addressed the allegations of misusing $8 million in welfare funds, which were reportedly directed towards building a volleyball stadium at his alma mater, the University of Southern Mississippi, where his daughter played. Favre defended his actions, claiming he was unaware of any wrongdoing as the project had been publicly approved by multiple state agencies.
The former quarterback is one of 43 defendants in a lawsuit filed by the Mississippi Department of Human Services, which seeks to recover over $90 million in misallocated funds. Favre used his congressional testimony to call for reforms to prevent the misuse of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds, stating that he is now aware of the need for stricter oversight.
Favre’s diagnosis and his involvement in the welfare scandal have garnered significant media attention. His testimony underscores the complexities of the case and the impact of his diagnosis on his perspective and advocacy efforts moving forward.
