Brett Favre says tremors aren’t main issue in Parkinson’s fight
Brett Favre, NFL Hall of Fame quarterback shared a rare update on his Parkinson’s disease during a New Year’s Eve episode of his “4th and Favre” podcast.
The legend said he’s in the early stages of the disease, and to our surprise, the symptom that bothers him the most is not the constant shaking, but the stiffness.
Fox News picked up on this news, reporting that Favre measures his days by how well his body responds to medication. Highlight that this is especially true in the mornings.
Favre said he can wake up extremely stiff and gets some relief after taking his meds. He said he mostly notices the shaking later when fatigue kicks in.
As a long time NFL fan, I remember the Favre era. He was fearless. He will always be the guy who’d fling a pass into traffic and somehow make it work. Seeing him describe his body tightening up is a reminder that health is king, no matter who you are.
A report from BroBible noted that he described problems with dexterity on his right side, even struggling to pick up a dime. He ultimately had to use his left hand instead.
Green Matters notes that Favre tried to clear up an important common misconception about Parkinson’s. It doesn’t look the same for everyone.
Favre has idiopathic Parkinson’s, the most common type, and that rigidity and stiffness are his dominant issues, whereas the tremors show up only occasionally.
The first reveal
Favre first revealed his Parkinson’s diagnosis in September 2024, It was while testifying before the House Ways and Means Committee during a hearing tied to welfare funds in Mississippi. ESPN noted that he has denied wrongdoing in the broader case and hasn’t been criminally charged.
In the same ESPN report, Favre said doctors looked at his concussion history, and referenced Parkinson’s Foundation findings linking concussion history to higher Parkinson’s risk.
This doesn’t mean there is a definite link, but it’s a tough detail to ignore.
Parkinson’s
For those who are unaware what Parkinson’s disease is, it’s a progressive brain disorder that damages dopamine-producing neurons. Symptoms include tremors, slowness of movement, stiffness, and non-movement issues like sleep problems, anxiety, or depression.
Data from the Parkinson’s Foundation shows there is no cure, though treatments can help manage symptoms and quality of life.
Another disturbing symptom is the impact on swallowing. CBS Sports reported that Favre has dealt with trouble swallowing and moments where he feels like he might choke.
Favre is 56 now, and remains one of the most recognizable faces from NFL’s history. He played from 1991 to 2010, won a Super Bowl with Green Bay, and put up career numbers that still look unreal on paper.
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