What NFL great Brett Favre said about Parkinson's diagnosis

Super Bowl-winning Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre defeated hundreds of opponents during a 19-year NFL career spent with the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings and New York Jets.

Now Favre is facing his biggest opponent yet: Parkinson's disease.

The QB publicized his Parkinson's diagnosis during a congressional hearing on the misappropriation of TANF funds in Favre's home state of Mississippi.

Here's what Favre said about his Parkinson's diagnosis, and what the disease actually does to the human body.

Brett Favre has Parkinson's disease

Favre testified in front of the House Ways and Means Committee, which is investigating how states are spending money intended for needy citizens.

"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. "I’m sure you’ll understand, while it’s too late for me because I’ve recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, this is also a cause dear to my heart."

Favre also disclosed more information on social media platform X.

"First, I want to thank God for all He has done in my life. Next, thanks to Congress for giving me the platform to discuss a much needed TANF reform," read Favre's post. "As you know, I was recently diagnosed w/ Parkinson’s which has been an ordeal.

"My wife, family, and friends have been supportive and I want to thank them for being there for me. To my fans and those wishing well — thank you all for the love."

Favre and actor Michael J. Fox are join a growing list of celebrities diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, which includes Alan Alda, Muhammad Ali, Neil Diamond, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Bernie Kosar, Richard Lewis, Ozzy Osbourne, Pope John Paul II and Linda Ronstadt.

What is Parkinson's disease?

According to the Mayo Clinic, Parkinson's disease attacks the body's core functionality.

"Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder of the nervous system that worsens over time," read the Mayo Clinic's website . "The nervous system is a network of nerve cells that controls many parts of the body, including movement."

There is no cure for Parkinson's disease. Instead, therapies can be used to reduce the symptoms and impact on daily life. The World Health Organization lists levodopa/carbidopa — a medicine that increases the amount of dopamine in the brain — as the most popular medication for Parkinson's disease. Deep brain stimulation can also help reduce tremors and need for medicines, according to the WHO.

Damon C. Williams is a Philadelphia-based journalist reporting on trending topics across the Mid-Atlantic Region.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: What NFL great Brett Favre said about Parkinson's diagnosis