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Brett Favre Reveals Troubling 'Side Effect' Amid Parkinson's Battle

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Andrew McCarty | Last updated Nov 23, 2024 9:13 AM ET

During a congressional hearing in late September, Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre announced he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, a degenerative nervous system disorder.

Favre spoke on behalf of Prevacus, a company making a concussion drug that received $2 million of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds - a company where he was the primary donor.

"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 via ESPN. "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."

Favre has been mostly quiet about the disease since first announcing his diagnosis. However, he took the time to speak to TMZ this week where he revealed he's been testing out a variety of treatments.

He told TMZ the medications he's taking have made his symptoms manageable and he remains optimistic about a cure. However, he did reveal some of the troubling side effects he's dealing with.

From TMZ:

But, the ex-Green Bay Packers superstar did say there is one thing about the ordeal that's bothering him -- some tight muscles in the AM.

"With my Parkinson's, the main side effect is rigidity and stiffness," he said. "I have a little bit of shaking, but not much. But, rigidity and stiffness."

"When I wake up in the morning, I feel like a board," he continued. "I don't need any help because of football to be any stiffer. But, all things considered, I'm a very blessed man."

Playing in the NFL for 20 years certainly takes its toll on the body, like Favre said. It's not surprising he'd have trouble getting out of bed in the morning - even without Parkinson's.

His struggle is made that much more troubling with the serious diagnosis.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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