Brett Favre Opens Up on Harrowing Battle with Parkinson’s Disease

Green Bay, WI - September 4, 2025 By Staff Reporter

Pro Football Hall of Famer Brett Favre went public today with new details about his ongoing struggle with Parkinson’s disease, describing recent symptoms that have dramatically affected his daily life. In an exclusive interview on The Sage Steele Show, the three-time NFL MVP revealed that he now experiences difficulty swallowing and frequent choking sensations, symptoms that he calls “scary” because there is no medical fix for them.

Favre, who first announced his diagnosis in January 2024 during testimony on Capitol Hill, said that stiffness on his right side and subtle tremors remind him “something isn’t right.” He explained that while some days bring small improvements-“times when I decompress and I think I’m progressing a little bit”-other moments are marked by fear and uncertainty. “I wake up every day and ask myself, ‘Did I progress 2% or am I staying the same?’” he admitted.

The former Green Bay Packers quarterback, who won Super Bowl XXXI and started a record 321 consecutive regular- and post-season games, reflected on the unpredictable nature of Parkinson’s. “My doctor told me to think of it like seeing someone you haven’t seen in 20 years-they look the same. Then you see them again after three years and you don’t recognize them,” Favre said. “There’s no way to predict who will progress faster; we all age differently”.

Despite the challenges, Favre maintains a fighting spirit. He emphasized his commitment to exercise and a positive mindset, focusing on “getting after the day” rather than dwelling on what he can’t control. As he faces this new chapter, Favre hopes that sharing his experience will raise awareness of Parkinson’s and the toll it takes even on the toughest competitors.