Brett Favre has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the age of 54, the NFL legend has confirmed.

The Hall of Fame quarterback revealed the news during a Congressional hearing on welfare misspending and reform.

NewsNationFavre played in the NFL for 20 seasons[/caption]

Favre was discussing his investment in defunct drug company Prevacus.

“Sadly, I also lost an investment in a company that I believed was developing a breakthrough concussion drug I thought would help others,” he said. 

“I’m sure you’ll understand, while it’s too late for me because I’ve recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, this is also a cause dear to my heart.

“Recently, the doctor running the company pleaded guilty to taking TANF money for his own use.”

Green Bay Packers icon Favre claimed in 2018 that he feared he had suffered hundreds of concussions during his 20-year career.

“When you have ringing of the ears, seeing stars, that’s a concussion,” he told the Today show.

“And if that is a concussion, I’ve had hundreds, maybe thousands, throughout my career, which is frightening.”

Parkinson’s disease is a neurologic movement disorder, affecting the brain and causing difficulty with movements, or motor symptoms.

Common symptoms include tremors, stiffness or rigidity of the muscles, and slowness of movement.

Prevacus founder, Jacob VanLandingham, pleaded guilty to wire fraud in July.

Favre won the Super Bowl in 1998Getty

He admitted to using Mississippi welfare money to pay off debts.

Favre is testifying to the House Ways and Means Committee about the need to ensure Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funds make their way to those who need them after at least $77million was misspent.

According to a state audit and civil lawsuit, Favre was paid $1.1 million from TANF funds for speeches it is alleged he never made

He paid the money back, but the auditor has demanded he also pay $228,000 in interest.

Favre denies any wrongdoing and has not been criminally charged.

He is most known for his time with the Packers but also played for the Atlanta Falcons, New York Jets, and Minnesota Vikings.

The second-round draft pick in 1991 won the Super Bowl in 1997.

He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016.