Former NFL quarterback Brett Favre told Congress on Tuesday that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
"Sadly, I also lost an investment in a company that I believed was developing a breakthrough concussion drug I thought would help others," Favre said.
The 54-year old former NFL star told the House Ways and Means Committee, "It was too late for me because I've recently been diagnosed with Parkinson's."
"This is also a cause dear to my heart," Favre continued. "Recently, the doctor running the company pleaded guilty to taking TANF [Temporary Assistance for Needy Families] money for his own use."
Favre testified during a hearing about states' misuse of welfare funds. The Super Bowl champion has been accused of lobbying political figures to funnel taxpayer dollars to himself and his alma mater.
"I returned to the state the funds I had received," Favre stated during the testimony.
"I wanted to help my alma mater and benefit the community," Favre said. "Southern Miss [The University of Southern Mississippi] introduced me to the nonprofit to see if they could help with the funding."
"I had no way of knowing that there was anything wrong with how the state funded the project, especially since it was publicly approved by many state agencies and multiple attorneys, including the attorney general."
