Football Hall of Famer Brett Favre says he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease

Football Hall of Famer Brett Favre revealed on Tuesday that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The former NFL quarterback made the announcement while testifying before the House Ways and Means Committee, where he addressed concerns about welfare misspending related to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

During his testimony, Favre expressed his disappointment over an investment in a company he believed was developing a groundbreaking concussion drug. “Sadly, I lost an investment in a company that I thought would help others,” he said. “While it’s too late for me, this cause is dear to my heart.” His personal battle with Parkinson’s adds a poignant layer to his advocacy for better treatment of head injuries in sports.

Favre, who enjoyed a legendary career, is best known for his time with the Green Bay Packers, where he led the team to a Super Bowl victory during the 1996-97 season and won three consecutive MVP awards from 1995 to 1997. However, he has increasingly spoken out about the long-term effects of concussions and head injuries that players like him faced during their careers.

In a recent appearance on The Megyn Kelly Show, Favre discussed how the understanding of concussions has evolved since his playing days. “At least several times a week, there’s this fear of what tomorrow will bring,” he shared. “When I played, concussions were often treated as minor bumps—get back in the game.” Favre emphasized that he doesn’t blame anyone for the lack of awareness at the time, admitting that he too underestimated the seriousness of head injuries.

Reflecting on his career, Favre questioned whether he would have approached the game differently if he had known the potential risks. “I think, boy, I probably haven’t done myself many favors. If I could do it over, would I change how I played or how long I played? I don’t know,” he said. “Maybe I would have been more cautious.”

Favre recalled suffering a concussion during his final NFL play, which sidelined him briefly. Now at 54, he noted some troubling changes in his health. “I think there are some memory issues, and sometimes my speech is affected,” he said. “Is that due to concussions, or just getting older? Maybe it’s a bit of both.” He has previously suggested that throughout his two-decade career, he may have experienced “thousands” of concussions.

Research from the Boston University CTE Center highlights a concerning link between football and the development of Parkinson’s disease. A study published in the medical journal JAMA Network Open revealed that individuals with a history of playing organized tackle football were 61% more likely to report a diagnosis of Parkinson’s or parkinsonism—symptoms including tremors and rigidity—compared to those who participated in other sports. The findings also indicated that players who competed at higher levels—professionally or in college—were nearly three times as likely to develop these conditions compared to those who played at the youth or high school levels.

Favre’s diagnosis shines a spotlight on the ongoing discussions surrounding player safety and the long-term effects of concussions in football. His candid acknowledgment of his struggles serves to raise awareness about these critical issues, which continue to affect former athletes long after their playing days are over.

Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016, Favre’s legacy as one of the NFL’s greats is now intertwined with his advocacy for better health protocols in sports. As he navigates this new chapter in his life, Favre’s voice is likely to resonate strongly within both the sports community and beyond, prompting important conversations about the health risks associated with football and the need for ongoing research and support for affected athletes.