Former NFL quarterback Brett Favre has just announced that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, but not everyone is giving their sympathies to the Hall of Famer.
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To note, Favre played 20 years in the league, most known for his time with the Green Bay Packers. Yet, there was one year in 2008, in which the gunslinger got into controversy when he was the quarterback of the New York Jets.
That is to say, Jenn Sterger, who was a NFL reporter/host working for the Jets at the time, said she received inappropriate and explicit texts/photos/voicemails from Favre, while he was playing for the team.
Good Morning America (2011)
Sterger evidently still holds a grudge against Favre, as she took to social media to talk about Favre's diagnosis. This came after many were seemingly contacting her about Favre testifying at a congressional hearing on welfare misspending and reform (per the New York Post).
She wrote on her Instagram story: "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 bc some Hall-of-Fame quarterback stole it?"
This remark was in reference to Favre being connected to a Mississippi welfare scandal, as he was alleged to have been involved with misusing welfare money on personal projects in Mississippi. The 11-time Pro Bowl quarterback then revealed his unfortunate diagnosis while testifying at the 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
54-year-old Favre said in front of the House Ways and Means Committee, "Sadly, I also lost an investment in a company [Prevacus] that I believed was developing a breakthrough concussion drug I thought would help others. I'm sure you'll understand, while it's too late for me because I've recently been diagnosed with Parkinson's, this is also a cause dear to my heart."
Favre's diagnosis more than likely stems from head trauma accumulated over decades on the gridiron, as he was sacked 525 times throughout his career, and once even said he believes he might have had over 1,000 concussions in his life.
Parkinson's is known as a degenerative nervous system disorder, but Favre said he is optimistic, since it was caught early on. He made a post on Instagram, expressing his gratitude for everyone that is sending prayers his way.
"My wife, family, and friends have been supportive and I want to thank them for being there for me," Favre wrote. "To my fans and those wishing well — thank you all for the love."
2016 Hall of Fame Induction in Canton, Ohio
In view of his 2008 inappropriate texting scandal with Sterger, a couple years afterwards, the NFL ended up investigating her claims in 2010, however, they couldn't conclude that Favre violated the league's workplace conduct policy. Nonetheless, he did admit to sending her voicemails, so he ended up being fined $50k for not cooperating with the investigation.
Throughout his playing career Favre put up impressive numbers, as he is ranked fourth all-time in both passing yards (71,838) and pass touchdowns (508). To mention, he also has the most interceptions thrown (366) in NFL history.
