Brett Favre Shares Message Amid Parkinson's Battle

The NFL legend opens up about his diagnosis and ongoing fight against the disease.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 6:34pm

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An ethereal, ghostly X-ray image showing the intricate internal structure of a human brain, with subtle signs of neurological damage visible as faint, glowing lines against a dark background, conceptually representing the long-term effects of repeated head injuries.A haunting X-ray image reveals the hidden neurological impacts of a lifetime of head trauma, as former NFL star Brett Favre continues his public battle with Parkinson's disease.Green Bay Today

Pro Football Hall of Famer Brett Favre, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2024, used World Parkinson's Day to share a message of hope and encouragement with others affected by the condition. Favre, 56, has been open about his battle with the disease, which he believes is linked to the thousands of concussions he sustained during his 20-year NFL career.

Why it matters

Favre's openness about his Parkinson's diagnosis helps raise awareness of the disease and its potential connection to head trauma in contact sports. As a beloved sports icon, his story can inspire others living with Parkinson's to stay positive and keep fighting.

The details

Favre was diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson's in January 2024 after five specialists determined his years of head injuries were likely the cause, as he had no family history of the disease. His main symptoms include stiffness, rigidity, and difficulty swallowing, which he manages with medication taken every four hours. Despite the challenges, Favre remains optimistic about his condition and is hopeful a cure may be found in the next 5-10 years.

  • Favre was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in January 2024.
  • Favre went public with his diagnosis in September 2024 while speaking to a House committee.
  • Favre shared his World Parkinson's Day message on April 12, 2026.

The players

Brett Favre

A Pro Football Hall of Famer and former quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2024 and has been open about his ongoing battle with the condition.

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What they’re saying

“Today, on Parkinson's World Day, I'm thinking of everyone affected by the disease and their families and friends helping those with Parkinson's every day. As I continue my battle with it — keep pushing, keep hoping, and know you're not alone.”

— Brett Favre

“I know we were talking about my dad, and he died at 56. I'm almost there. But I have taken way better care of myself, even though football is not taking real good care of myself.”

— Brett Favre

What’s next

Favre remains focused on managing his Parkinson's symptoms through medication and staying positive, while also advocating for more research into the potential link between head trauma and the disease. He is hopeful that a cure may be found in the next 5-10 years.

The takeaway

Brett Favre's openness about his Parkinson's diagnosis highlights the importance of raising awareness and supporting those affected by the disease, especially in the context of the long-term impacts of head injuries in contact sports. His story serves as an inspiration for others living with Parkinson's to stay determined and optimistic in the face of this challenging condition.