Brett Favre Speaks Out After Announcing His Parkinson’s Diagnosis, Says It’s Been an ‘Ordeal’

“Thank you all for the love,” the retired NFL quarterback said in a message to his supporters.

Brett Favre thanks the public for their support after revealing his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis before a congressional hearing on Capitol Hill.

On Tuesday, September 24, the 54-year-old retired NFL star shared a message on social media, speaking out after revealing earlier in the day that he now suffers from a terminal illness.

Related: Brett Favre to be impeached over Mississippi welfare scandal

“First, I want to thank God for all he has done in my life,” his tweet began. “Second, I thank Congress for giving me the opportunity to discuss much-needed reform of TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families).”

Favre is currently embroiled in a lawsuit in Mississippi accusing him and dozens of others of taking money intended for welfare programs and using it for personal gain. He has denied the allegations and has not been charged.

“As you know, I was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, which has been a real ordeal. My wife, family and friends have been supportive and I want to thank them for being there for me,” he added.

Related: Brett Favre’s SiriusXM Show Suspended Over Alleged Involvement in Welfare Fraud Case

The former Green Bay Packers quarterback concluded: “To my fans and everyone who wishes me well, thank you all for your love.”

According to the Mayo Clinic, Parkinson’s disease is a brain disease that affects a person’s nervous system, causing uncontrollable physical movements such as tremors, and making it difficult to speak.

Farve revealed his diagnosis while being questioned by Congress about the lawsuit filed against him by the Mississippi Department of Human Services, which was filed after Mississippi State Auditor Shad White found that about $77 million in TANF funds from 2016 to 2019 allegedly went to projects run by the athlete and others instead of going to families in need.

“Unfortunately, I also lost an investment in a company that I believed was developing a breakthrough concussion drug that I believed would help others, and I’m sure you can understand why it’s too late for me because I was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease,” the former football star reportedly told lawmakers, according to NBC News, ESPN and Fox News.

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“It’s also a cause that is close to my heart. Recently, the doctor who runs the company pleaded guilty to taking (public) money for his own use,” added Mr. Favre.

Additionally, Favre and former Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant were accused of using at least $5 million in funds to build a volleyball stadium at his alma mater, the University of Southern Mississippi. That was also the school where his daughter played volleyball at the time.

People previously reported that Favre claimed to have paid off his debt. However, according to the state auditor, the retired quarterback still owes $228,000 in interest.

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