**Brett Favre Discusses His Parkinson’s Disease Journey on Podcast**
NFL icon Brett Favre provided an update on his ongoing struggle with Parkinson’s disease during a recent episode of his podcast. Favre, who revealed his diagnosis in September 2024 while testifying before Congress about welfare reform, has kept details of his health battle largely private.
In the podcast, Favre reflected on Philip Rivers’ return to the NFL at age 44, expressing confidence that he could have played until around 50. He shared that he was actively working out until his health issues began to arise.
“I’m probably like most people – I thought there was just one Parkinson’s and that was it. There’s not. There are multiple forms of Parkinson’s,” Favre explained. He clarified that he has idiopathic Parkinson’s, the most common type, and noted that many people associate the disease primarily with shaking. “I have very little shaking. I have some, but it’s pretty rare. However, the Parkinson’s I have has three different characteristics, with rigidity and stiffness being my dominant side effect.”
Favre, who played in the NFL from 1991 to 2010, described his morning routine, stating, “When I wake up in the morning before I take my medicine, I’m as close to a 2 by 4 as you could possibly get. Once I take my medicine, it’s like my muscles and joints ease their grip on me.” He also mentioned that he experiences some shaking when fatigued, particularly towards the end of the day. While he feels his cognitive memory is currently stable, he acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding a cure for Parkinson’s, saying, “I hear from time to time, ‘Well, they’re five years away from a cure.’ I hope that’s the case, but I’m not holding my breath.”
Favre, now 56, had a remarkable NFL career, passing for 71,838 yards and 508 touchdowns, and winning a Super Bowl title with the Green Bay Packers.
**FAQ**
**What type of Parkinson’s disease does Brett Favre have?**
Brett Favre has idiopathic Parkinson’s disease, which is the most common form of the illness.
