NFL Hall of Famer Brett Favre reveals Parkinson’s diagnosis

The 54-year-old said during testimony, "Sadly, I also lost an investment in a company that I believed was developing a breakthrough concussion drug I thought would help others. 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."

Of Favre’s 20 NFL seasons, he played 16 of them with the Green Bay Packers. Favre was originally drafted by the Atlanta Falcons. After the Packers, Favre played with the Jets and Vikings.

According to Fox News, Favre was present at the Congressional hearing because he was linked to a 2020 Mississippi welfare scandal. Favre was not charged in the case. The state is suing 38 people or companies to try to recover $24 million out of $77 million in federal welfare money.

Favre had helped raise money for a new athletic facility at the University of Southern Mississippi. He has denied knowing that a $5 million grant through the Mississippi Community Education Center came from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families fund.

A study published in the Family Medicine and Community Health Journal found that a single concussion can increase the chances of developing Parkinson’s by 57 percent, the Guardian reported.

Favre recently stated that he had suffered "thousands" of concussions during his career. During his time in the NFL, he threw for 71,838 yards and 508 touchdowns.