NFL Hall of Famer Brett Favre appeared on TMZ Sports to discuss his Parkinson’s diagnosis. The quarterback said when he was initially told he had the condition, he was terrified.
“I have to admit, I thought the world was caving in on me, it was the end of the world,” Favre said. “I can’t believe this, not me. I’m healthy, I’m very active. I mean, it doesn’t happen to me. But now that the dust has settled, I’m good.“
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Parkinson’s is a degenerative nervous system disorder that causes parts of the brain to deteriorate, affecting movement. There is no cure, and Favre has also tried to come to grips with that.
“The medicine I take manages the symptoms. It does nothing to stop the disease, there’s always the fear of what happens next, what’s the next step,” Favre said. “But I’m trying to live in the present and make the most of what I got. I’m very thankful, I’m very blessed.”
Favre played 20 seasons in the NFL, 17 of which were with the Green Bay Packers. He has mentioned in previous interviews that multiple concussions may have contributed to his condition.
He was also asked about the recent death of former NFL tight end Frank Wycheck, who was diagnosed with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, or CTE, after he died in a fall. CTE is a degenerative brain condition that can be brought on by head trauma.
“We’re just really scraping the surface of how damaging head trauma can be, concussions mainly. I think most people take it seriously, but there is still that, ‘Ah, you know,'” Favre said of some people’s view. He added that it’s “almost like a fad, but we know it’s not, and it’s really frightening.”
He also added that the multiple concussions from his playing days combined with the Parkinson’s diagnosis have him thinking about what the future may hold.
