NFL legend Brett Favre, 54, reveals he is battling Parkinson's disease

NFL Hall of Famer Brett Favre has revealed he was recently diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at the age of 54 - after suffering multiple concussions throughout his two-decade career. 

The Packers legend revealed his shocking health update while speaking at a Congressional hearing on welfare misspending and reform, after he became embroiled in a $77million welfare fraud scandal in Mississippi.

While testifying, Favre read from pre-written notes and began speaking about the now-defunct concussion drug company Prevacus, in which he was the top outside investor. 

The company had received $2 million from the federal Government's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families fund. 

'Sadly, I also lost an investment in a company that I believed was developing a breakthrough concussion drug I thought would help others,' he 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.'

Favre - who played in the NFL for 20 years - has previously spoken openly about suffering 'thousands' of concussions on the football field.

Parkinson's disease is a brain disorder that causes unintended or uncontrollable movements, including stiffness, shaking and difficulty with balance.

It is unclear what causes the disease, but scientists believe it is a combination of genetic and environmental factors, per the Parkinson's Foundation.

Last year, Favre became embroiled in the largest case of public fraud in state history, when he was named in a civil lawsuit filed by the Mississippi Department of Human Services.

It is alleged that at least $77million in welfare funds meant for needy families was instead funneled to the rich and powerful, with $8m going to Favre himself or causes he championed.

Favre, who denies any wrongdoing and has not been criminally charged, repaid $1.1million across two payments in 2020 and 2021, but is still being pursued for $727,000 in interest by Mississippi State Auditor Shad White.

The NFL icon also recently sued ex-NFL players and media commentators Shannon Sharpe and Pat McAfee over comments made about him and the funds.

The lawsuit against McAfee was dropped after he publicly apologized for telling viewers of his popular ESPN show that Favre was 'stealing from the poor people of Mississippi'. 

Favre is currently facing the House Ways and Means Committee for a hearing on the need for 'guardrails' when it comes to dispersing 'Temporary Assistance for Needy Families' funds.

During his NFL career, the quarterback played for the Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers, New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings.

He won the Super Bowl with the Packers in 1997, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016.

Favre's wife Deanna, who he married in 1996, has also suffered health problems in the past, and was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004, while her husband played for the Green Bay Packers. 

A few years prior to that, the pair became estranged as Favre battled alcohol and drug addictions, but they reconciled following his second stint in rehab. He has reportedly not drunk alcohol since the spring of 1999.

In 2004, the family was struck by a tragedy when Deanna's 24-year-old brother Casey Tynes was killed in an ATV accident on the Favres' Mississippi property. 

Favre recently hit the headlines when he aimed a dig at Taylor Swift in the wake of her endorsing Kamala Harris in November's presidential election.

The three-time NFL MVP endorsed Trump in 2020, and took to social media to respond to a video of Patrick Mahomes insisting he would stay neutral on politics. 

He posted on X: 'Good take by Mahomes — I see a lot of celebs trying to influence their audience instead of letting the people think for themselves.

'If the best choice for them ain't clear and they're easily swayed by their fav pop artist, it's not going to be a good thing.'

Many were quick to call out Favre's hypocrisy after he used his platform to endorse Trump in 2020.

Writing on X in October 2020, he said: 'My Vote is for what makes this country great, freedom of speech and religion, the second amendment, hard-working tax-paying citizens, police and military.

'In this election, we have freedom of choice, which all should respect. For me and these principles, my vote is for [Donald Trump].'

Favre was slammed for saying he 'found it hard to believe' Derek Chauvin intended to kill George Floyd in Minneapolis in 2020. He also criticized NFL players for distracting from football by kneeling during the national anthem to protest racism.