Brett Favre Opens Up About Parkinson’s, Concussions, and the Hidden Cost of Football Glory

When Brett Favre hung up his cleats in 2010, the Hall of Fame quarterback walked away from the NFL with three MVP awards, one Super Bowl ring, and the admiration of millions. But 15 years later, the legendary Green Bay Packers star is revealing the private health battles he has been fighting — battles that shine a harsh light on the devastating toll of professional football.

A Legacy of Hits

Favre, now 55, recently appeared on The Sage Steele Show, where he admitted something that stunned fans and critics alike: he believes he suffered “thousands” of concussions during his two-decade career. Known for his ironman streak of 297 consecutive starts, Favre’s style of play was fearless, but it came at a price.

“I don’t even remember all of them,” he confessed. “Back then, we called it ‘getting your bell rung.’ You’d shake it off, go back in, and pretend it never happened. But the truth is, every one of those hits adds up.”

Parkinson’s Diagnosis

For the past year, Favre has been battling Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and, in some cases, cognitive function. While many people associate Parkinson’s with tremors, Favre revealed his symptoms manifest differently.

“Everyone thinks Parkinson’s is just shaking,” he explained. “I do have a little tremor, but my biggest issues are rigidity and stiffness. My joints hurt more than they ever did, especially on the right side of my body. It’s getting worse.”

The quarterback also opened up about one of the more frightening aspects of his condition: difficulty swallowing. “One of my doctors asked me out of the blue, ‘How’s your swallowing?’ And I realized it’s not as easy as it used to be. Sometimes, I feel like I’m choking. It’s scary, because they can’t really fix that.”

Football’s Darkest Legacy

Favre’s revelations are the latest reminder of football’s complicated relationship with brain injuries. For years, the NFL downplayed the risks of repeated concussions, even as mounting evidence linked them to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease found in dozens of former players. Studies suggest that repeated head trauma increases the likelihood of neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s, ALS, and Parkinson’s.

In 2016, the NFL finally acknowledged the link between football and CTE. By then, high-profile tragedies — such as the suicides of Hall of Famers Junior Seau and Mike Webster — had already underscored the dangers. Favre himself has long spoken about memory lapses, forgetfulness, and the fear of long-term damage.

“I worry about what the future holds,” he admitted years ago. Now, those fears have become reality.

Fans Heartbroken

News of Favre’s health struggles has sparked an emotional response from fans, many of whom grew up idolizing him as one of the toughest players in the league. Social media was flooded with messages of support, but also anger directed at the NFL.

One fan wrote, “Brett gave his body to football. The league made billions while he played through injuries, and now he’s suffering for it.” Another added, “This isn’t just about Favre — it’s about every kid who dreams of playing in the NFL without knowing the cost.”

A Warning for the Future

Favre’s story is not unique, but his platform makes it impossible to ignore. By publicly sharing his struggles, he is forcing a new generation of players, parents, and fans to reckon with the dangers of the sport. He has previously advocated for children under 14 to avoid tackle football altogether, citing the risks of developing brains exposed to repetitive hits.

“It’s not worth it,” he has said. “We’ve got to protect the next generation. No game is worth losing your mind or your health.”

The NFL’s Response

The league has invested millions in concussion protocols, helmet technology, and research on brain health in recent years. But critics argue it’s too little, too late. They say the NFL’s commitment to safety will always take a backseat to its bottom line.

The question now is whether Favre’s testimony will reignite public pressure for reform. If one of the most iconic quarterbacks in NFL history is admitting to being broken by the game, what does that say for the hundreds of less-celebrated players who never had his fame, fortune, or access to world-class doctors?

Fighting On

Despite his challenges, Favre remains resilient. He continues to make public appearances, raise awareness about health issues, and spend time with his family. He insists that while his body may be failing him, his spirit is strong.

“I’ve had a great life,” he told Steele. “Football gave me everything — but it also took a lot. I just hope my story helps someone else down the road.”

The Bigger Picture

Favre’s health struggles are a sobering reminder that the glory of professional sports often hides a darker reality. For every touchdown pass that thrilled fans in Lambeau Field, there was a hit, a concussion, a silent injury that now haunts him years later.

The question for the NFL, its fans, and society at large is simple: How much is too much? If football’s brightest stars are paying with their health, is the game itself sustainable in the long run?

For Brett Favre, the damage is already done. His honesty, however, may yet spark the change that protects future generations from suffering the same fate.