During a congressional hearing on Tuesday, Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre revealed he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological disorder that impairs movement and causes deterioration in parts of the brain. The 54-year-old former NFL star shared this personal news while addressing the House Ways and Means Committee.
Favre Discusses Concussion Drug Investment
In his testimony, Favre opened up about his investment in Prevacus, a company developing a concussion treatment drug. The company had received $2 million in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds, a decision now under scrutiny. Favre, a leading investor in Prevacus, began seeking financial support from state officials as early as November 2018.
“Sadly, I lost an investment in a company that I believed was developing a breakthrough concussion drug. I thought it would help others, but it’s too late for me now, as I’ve recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s,” Favre stated during his opening remarks, linking the diagnosis to his long-standing concerns about brain health.
The Mississippi Welfare Scandal and Prevacus
Favre’s involvement in a much larger Mississippi welfare scandal has raised eyebrows. A 2019 state audit revealed that at least $77 million in TANF funds, originally allocated to assist low-income families, were funneled to wealthy and influential individuals.
Jacob VanLandingham, the founder of Prevacus, pleaded guilty to wire fraud in July 2023, admitting that he used welfare money to pay off personal gambling debts. Favre has faced scrutiny for his role, although he has denied knowing the funds came from welfare sources.
Favre’s Long History with Concussions
Favre’s remarks about his Parkinson’s diagnosis come after a long NFL career where concussions were a regular occurrence. In a 2018 interview, Favre estimated that he could have suffered over 1,000 concussions during his 20 seasons in the NFL. “When you have ringing in the ears or see stars, that’s a concussion. If that’s the case, I’ve had hundreds, maybe even thousands, which is frightening,” Favre said during a Today Show interview.
A Growing Concern for Brain Health
The NFL icon’s revelation not only sheds light on the lasting effects of concussions on athletes but also highlights the critical need for advancements in neurological health research. With Favre now facing Parkinson’s, the conversation around concussion treatment, brain health, and welfare fraud is taking center stage.
