Former NFL quarterback Brett Favre has announced that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, but not everyone is offering their condolences to the Hall of Famer.
Favre, who enjoyed a stellar 20-year career mainly with the Green Bay Packers, faced controversy in 2008 while playing for the New York Jets.
That year, Jenn Sterger, a reporter and host for the Jets, alleged that she received unwanted messages from Favre, which included explicit texts, photos, and voicemails.
Sterger seems to still carry a grudge against Favre, as evidenced by her social media response to the news of his diagnosis. This response came during ongoing discussions about Favre’s anticipated testimony at a congressional hearing concerning welfare misappropriation and reforms (as reported by the New York Post).
In her Instagram story, she remarked: “PSA: Please don’t send me links to it. I’ve seen it. I can read. I don’t wish bad things on anyone, but I know Karma never forgets an address. Imagine being diagnosed with such a terrible disease and not having the resources to fight it because some Hall-of-Fame quarterback stole it?”
This remark references Favre’s purported involvement in a Mississippi welfare scandal, where he allegedly misallocated welfare funds for personal use. He disclosed his diagnosis during his appearance at the congressional hearing.
JUST IN: Legendary NFL Quarterback Brett Favre tells Congress he was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, says “it’s too late for me.”
The comment came during a congressional hearing on federal welfare reform.
“Sadly, I also lost an investment in a company that I… pic.twitter.com/3eMJRZwcCc
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) September 24, 2024
During his testimony before the House Ways and Means Committee, the 54-year-old Favre said, “Sadly, I also lost an investment in a company [Prevacus] that I believed was developing a groundbreaking concussion drug I thought would help others. I’m sure you’ll understand that, while it’s too late for me because I’ve recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, this is also a cause that is dear to my heart.”
Favre’s diagnosis may be associated with the head injuries he endured throughout his career, during which he was sacked 525 times, and he has previously claimed to have experienced over 1,000 concussions in his life.
Parkinson’s disease is recognized as a degenerative neurological disorder, but Favre remains hopeful, noting that it was detected early on. He expressed gratitude in an Instagram post to those who have supported him.
“My wife, family, and friends have been there for me, and I want to thank them for their support,” Favre stated. “To my fans and everyone sending well wishes — thank you all for the love.”
Following the texting scandal in 2008 involving Sterger, the NFL initiated an investigation into her claims in 2010, but ultimately could not establish whether Favre had violated the league’s workplace conduct policy. Nonetheless, he admitted to sending her voicemails, which led to a $50,000 fine for failing to cooperate with the investigation.
Favre’s remarkable career statistics place him fourth all-time in passing yards (71,838) and touchdown passes (508), though he also holds the infamous record for the most interceptions thrown (366) in NFL history.
Image Source: Jenn Sterger @ Instagram
