Brett Favre announces Parkinson's diagnosis during congressional hearing

Pro Football Hall of Fame member Brett Favre says he suffers from Parkinson's disease, he announced this on Tuesday during a congressional hearing in Washington, DC.

Favre testified before the House Budget Committee, which investigates how states spend money intended for needy citizens.

“Unfortunately, I also lost an investment in a company that I thought was developing a breakthrough concussion drug that I thought would help others,” Favre said. “I'm sure you'll understand that while it's too late for me because I was recently diagnosed with Parkinson's, this is also a cause that is close to my heart.”

The World Health Organization describes Parkinson's disease as “a brain disease that causes movement disorders, mental problems, sleep problems, pain and other health problems.” There is no cure and it is estimated that nearly one million Americans are affected by the disease.

No charges have been filed against Favre, but he is one of more than 40 people sued by the state of Mississippi seeking repayment of funds from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. Mississippi is seeking to recoup more than $90 million, more than $5 million of which went to the University of Southern Mississippi Athletic Foundation to cover the cost of building a volleyball arena.