Favre has Parkinsons

During his testimony before the Ways and Means Committee in Congress regarding his involvement in the Prevacus case, NFL legend and Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre made a surprising disclosure: he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a degenerative neurological disorder that primarily affects movement. Parkinson's occurs when nerve cells in the brain's substantia nigra become damaged or die, reducing the production of dopamine, a chemical that helps regulate movement. As dopamine levels drop, symptoms such as tremors, involuntary shaking, slowness of movement, muscle rigidity, impaired balance, masked facial expressions, and a shuffling gait begin to appear. The exact cause of Parkinson’s remains unknown but is thought to be linked to genetic or environmental factors.

Favre also revealed during the hearing that he lost his investment in Prevacus, a biotech company focused on developing treatments for concussions and neurotrauma-related conditions. Prevacus had received approximately $2 million in funding from Mississippi's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. The company's founder, neuroscientist Jacob VanLandingham, pleaded guilty to wire fraud last July, admitting that part of the funds had been used to settle personal debts. Favre clarified his involvement, stating that he was merely an investor and had no knowledge of state grants being used for the company, despite his prominent role as a top investor.

While the controversy surrounding Prevacus was a focal point of the hearing, Favre's revelation about his Parkinson’s diagnosis shocked millions of fans. He admitted that over the course of his long career, he had suffered numerous concussions. This disclosure raises critical questions about what legislative measures can be implemented to improve safety standards—not only in professional sports but also in schools, colleges, and universities.