NFL Hall of Famer Brett Favre reveals Parkinson’s diagnosis

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Retired NFL quarterback Brett Favre announced Tuesday he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

Favre revealed the diagnosis to a different audience: Congress.

“I’m sure you’ll understand why it’s too late for me because I’ve recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s,” Favre said in his opening statement before a House committee.

Favre agreed to testify at a hearing about the misuse of the welfare program Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. The Hall of Famer was discussing allegations he abused the funds in Mississippi, in part, by using them to pay for the development of a concussion drug.

“Sadly, I also lost an investment in a company that I believed was developing a breakthrough concussion drug that I thought would help others,” Favre told lawmakers.

The founder of the company pleaded guilty to wire fraud in July.

“To taking TANF money for his own use,” Favre said.

Favre is not facing any criminal charges, but the state of Mississippi did sue him and dozens of other defendants to repay any money misspent through TANF. Favre has returned more than a million dollars.

Lawmakers on the committee largely stuck to that subject, but U.S. Rep. Blake Moore, (R-Utah.) took a moment to thank Favre.

“My heart goes out to you and your family for your diagnosis,” Moore said. “You’ll continue to be an inspiration to people in numerous walks of life.”

U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney, (R-N.Y.), ended her time with, “We just wish you the best with your recent diagnosis.”

“Well, thank you,” Favre responded.

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When asked after the hearing how he is doing, Favre answered, “I’m great,” but would not share details of his diagnosis.

Favre still cannot discuss much about the civil suit against him in Mississippi because a judge placed a gag order on him and the other defendants.

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