Parkinson’s Disease has shown that it can and will affect almost anyone without discrimination, and on Tuesday one of Mississippi’s legends revealed that he, too, has PD.
In a congressional hearing before the House Ways and Means Committee, NFL Hall of Famer and University of Southern Mississippi great Brett Favre divulged his diagnosis as he discussed the TANFF funds scandal.
“Sadly, I also lost an investment in a company that I believed was developing a breakthrough concussion drug I thought would help others,” Favre, who will be 55 in two weeks, 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.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, “Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder of the nervous system that worsens over time. The nervous system is a network of nerve cells that controls many parts of the body, including movement.”
The Parkinson’s Foundation reports that having even one concussion increases the chance of Parkinson’s by 57%.
According to USA Today, “Parkinson’s disease is among six neurodegenerative diagnoses covered in the NFL’s landmark 2017 concussion settlement, joining ALS, Alzheimer’s and different levels of dementia. The settlement initially covered players who were found to have chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) after death but no longer does.”
Parkinson’s affects affects roughly 1 million Americans and the average age of onset is 60 years old. It can, however, be found in younger adults between 30 and 40. Verywellhealth.com says, “Parkinson’s disease is strongly associated with the loss of certain nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine, a chemical messenger in the brain often referred to as the “feel good” hormone. When this chemical becomes depleted, symptoms of Parkinson’s disease develop.”
Favre has said in interviews that he’s had “three or four” concussions that he knew of, but once he learned that smaller hits that leave you disoriented or dizzy can also be considered concussions, he said it was more like “hundreds, maybe thousands” through his 20-year career.
Recently, Favre has been caught up in the TANF scandal in Mississippi in which former leaders of nonprofits and the former head of Mississippi’s Department of Human Services have pleaded guilty to state and federal charges related to misspending TANF money. Favre has not been charged with anything, and says he’s being targeted by Mississippi State Auditor Shad White as a political power play.
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.
As you know, I was recently diagnosed w/ Parkinson’s which has been an ordeal. My wife, family, and friends have been…
— Brett Favre (@BrettFavre) September 24, 2024
In his career, Favre completed 6,300 passes for almost 72,000 yards. He had 602 carries for almost 1,850 yards. He was known for his strength and resilience in the NFL as well as for his talent.
