Retired NFL quarterback Brett Favre disclosed on Tuesday that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease during testimony before a congressional committee. His statement came amid discussions about a welfare misspending scandal in Mississippi, though Favre faces no criminal charges. He has repaid over $1 million in speaking fees tied to a state welfare program and had invested in a biotech firm involved in the case, which was researching concussion treatments.

Favre, 54, said he lost his investment in what he believed was a groundbreaking drug for concussions. “As I’m sure you’ll understand, while it’s too late for me — I’ve recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s — this is also a cause dear to my heart,” he shared.

The cause of Favre’s Parkinson’s remains unknown, and it is unclear if his condition is linked to the head injuries he sustained during his NFL career. In a 2022 radio interview, Favre estimated he may have experienced “thousands” of concussions over two decades, learning that concussions don’t always result in loss of consciousness.

Brett Favre’s reveal came during his testimony amidst a hearing of misuse of funds.

According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, about 90,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with Parkinson’s this year, with causes believed to be a mix of genetic and environmental factors, including head trauma.

In his testimony, Favre also discussed the challenges his family has faced due to the welfare scandal, stating that Mississippi officials unjustly blamed him for the misuse of funds. He advocated for reforms to the federal welfare system to prevent fraud, noting that the situation has damaged his reputation more than any hardship he endured in football.

Despite the scandal, Favre defended his involvement, saying he provided services for the payments he received, though the state auditor claims he didn’t attend the scheduled speaking engagements. He emphasized that he was unaware the payments came from welfare funds and highlighted his charity’s contributions to poor children in Mississippi and Wisconsin.

Favre, known for his legendary durability, holds the NFL record for 297 consecutive starts, rising to 321 including playoffs. A three-time MVP, he led the Green Bay Packers to a Super Bowl victory in 1996 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016.