(This story has been updated with additional details and a new video.)

Brett Favre, a Hall of Fame quarterback, announced that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease during a congressional hearing in Washington on Tuesday.

Favre spoke to the House Ways and Means Committee, which is looking into the allocation of funds meant to assist individuals in need.

“Unfortunately, I also lost money investing in a company working on a promising concussion medication that I hoped would aid others,” Favre stated. “I understand this might be too late for me as I’ve recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. However, this issue is very important to me.”

According to the World Health Organization, Parkinson’s disease is a “neurological condition that affects movement, mental health, sleep, pain, and various other health concerns.” There is currently no cure, with estimates suggesting that nearly one million Americans live with the illness.

Favre, now 54 years old, has not faced criminal charges but is one of over 40 individuals being sued by Mississippi, seeking repayment for funds allocated through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. The state is attempting to recover more than $90 million, including over $5 million that was directed to the University of Southern Mississippi Athletic Foundation to assist with the construction of a volleyball facility.

His daughter began playing on the school’s volleyball team in 2017.

“I aimed to support my alma mater and aid the community,” Favre told Congress. “Southern Miss introduced me to the nonprofit to explore potential funding. I had no idea there was anything inappropriate about how the state funded the initiative, especially since it received public approval from many state agencies and multiple attorneys, including the Attorney General.”

“A gag order from the court prevents discussion about the lawsuit’s details,” Favre added. “I’m here instead to highlight what I’ve observed firsthand regarding the need for reforms to prevent the misallocation of TANF funds.”

Favre has returned $1.1 million he received in speaking fees from a nonprofit, but Mississippi Auditor Shad White claims he still owes about $730,000 in interest.

His recent testimony marks another phase in the shocking decline of a once cherished sports figure.

Favre, who was the only player to win the NFL MVP award three consecutive years (1995-97), became a household name during his tenure with the Green Bay Packers from 1992 to 2007. His charismatic personality, humor, and carefree playing style helped revitalize the franchise after a long period of struggle.

Favre threw for 246 yards and three touchdowns in the Packers’ victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 31 to conclude the 1996 season. The Packers made another Super Bowl appearance the following year but lost to the Denver Broncos.

A second-round draft pick from Southern Miss in 1991, Favre survived a near-fatal car accident while in college. After a lackluster rookie season with the Atlanta Falcons, he was traded to Green Bay, where an injury to the starting quarterback Don Majkowski opened the door for him to step in and take over permanently. His determination to keep playing through injuries, including a memorable performance after his father passed away, endeared him to fans. His record of 321 consecutive starts, including playoffs, remains unmatched in the NFL, though questions about how his health will influence this streak moving forward are likely to arise.

However, Favre’s career also had its struggles. He entered rehab for a Vicodin addiction in 1996 and confessed to heavy drinking during his time in Green Bay. In 2008, he faced a $50,000 fine from the NFL for allegedly sending inappropriate photos to a New York Jets employee, an allegation he denied and faced no suspension for.

On the field, he holds the record for 336 career interceptions, which is the most by any quarterback in NFL history. His last throw with the Packers resulted in an interception during the 2007 NFC Championship Game, preventing them from reaching Super Bowl 42. After several retirement comebacks, he was traded to the Jets in 2008, paving the way for Aaron Rodgers to take over in Green Bay. Favre later moved to the Minnesota Vikings in 2009, inciting disdain among Packers fans. He nearly led the Vikings to Super Bowl 44 in 2009 but faltered in the NFC title game against the New Orleans Saints.

Favre finalised his career after an injury during the 2010 season. He retired holding the record for most passing yards (71,838) and passing touchdowns (508), among other achievements. Many of these records have since been surpassed, with Tom Brady now holding several major passing records in the NFL.

In 2016, he was honored with induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.