During a congressional hearing on Tuesday, Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre revealed that he was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease — a degenerative nervous system disorder that causes parts of the brain to deteriorate and affects movement.
“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 during opening remarks. “And I’m sure you’ll understand why it’s too late for me, because I’ve recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. This is also a cause dear to my heart.”
The company in question, Prevacus, makes a concussion drug and received $2 million of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds. According to text messages, Favre began asking state officials to help secure funds for Prevacus in November 2018 — Favre was a top investor in the company.
In July 2024, Jacob VanLandingham — the founder of Prevacus — pleaded guilty to wire fraud. VanLandingham admitted to using Mississippi’s welfare money to pay off gambling debts. Favre spoke before the House Ways and Means Committee about his involvement in the massive welfare case. According to a 2019 state audit, at least $77 million in TANF funds went to wealthy and powerful figures instead of to poor families as intended.
