Brett Favre, the Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback, revealed to Congress on Tuesday that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. His announcement occurred during his opening statements at a hearing held by the House Ways and Means Committee in Washington, which is investigating the inadequate use of welfare resources for families in need.
Footage of his disclosure has been shared on various media outlets via the social media platform X. Favre, who has repaid over $1 million in speaking fees linked to a welfare program in Mississippi, is expected to respond to questions in line with the committee’s typical witness policy, according to a spokesperson.
However, it remains uncertain how much he will reveal due to a gag order imposed by a Mississippi judge in 2023 that affects him and others involved in a legal dispute with the state.
Historically, Mississippi has struggled with poverty, and a significant portion of its federal welfare funding has not reached families. Between 2016 and 2019, the state’s welfare funds were mismanaged by the Mississippi Department of Human Services, leading to tens of millions of welfare dollars being squandered, as reported by Mississippi Auditor Shad White and federal prosecutors.
Although he faces no criminal charges, Favre is among several defendants named in a civil lawsuit filed by the state in 2022, which seeks the return of misappropriated TANF funds. In 2020, White stated that Favre had inappropriately received $1.1 million in speaking fees from a nonprofit that used welfare money with state approval, despite Favre not fulfilling the speaking engagements. He has since returned the principal amount but still owes nearly $730,000 in interest.
The TANF funds were intended for a volleyball arena at the University of Southern Mississippi. Favre had agreed to spearhead fundraising for the facility, which his daughter joined as a player in 2017.
Documents show that the Mississippi Community Education Center made two payments totaling $1.1 million to Favre Enterprises, the quarterback’s business, using welfare funds. Text exchanges between Favre and the center’s director, Nancy New, showed appreciation for the financial support.
New and her son, who co-managed the nonprofit, pleaded guilty in April 2022 to charges related to misusing welfare funds and await sentencing while agreeing to testify against other involved parties.
In his defense, Favre stated that he was unaware the payments he received came from welfare funds and highlighted that his charitable work has contributed millions to impoverished children in Mississippi and Wisconsin, where he spent most of his playing career.