Former Green Bay Packers, New York Jets, and Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre shocked the NFL world on Tuesday when, during his testimony before Congress, he revealed that he had recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The Pro Football Hall of Famer was testifying before a Republican-led congressional committee that is investigating several states and their inappropriate spending of TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) funds.
On Wednesday, Favre told TMZ that he was diagnosed back in January of this year and consulted five different doctors before accepting his diagnosis. He said that he started to lose control of his arm while trying to put on a jacket.
“[The doctors] all said the same thing, if it’s not in your family, and there’s none on either side of my family, then the first thing we looked at is head trauma. Well, hell, I wrote the book on head trauma,” Favre said.
Former Minnesota Vikings Quarterback Tommy Kramer Reveals He Has Dementia
Upon hearing of Favre’s announcement that he had Parkinson’s disease, former Vikings quarterback Tommy Kramer posted the following heartbreaking message on social media:
“With Brett Favre announcement yesterday, I feel it’s best I let everyone know that I was diagnosed with dementia just over a year ago at the NFL Cleveland Clinic.
“Dr’s say I could have anywhere from 2 to 10 years, just had my year check up and it hasn’t advanced and I’ve been sober for almost a year now which will definitely help. Please, no sympathy, I’ve lived a great life and wouldn’t change a thing.
“Nobody wanted to win more than me and I never gave up, and that’s exactly how I’m going to battle this. Football is the life we chose to live and sometimes stuff like this can happen. Im grateful to the NFL for the opportunity and am glad they are trying to do things to protect today’s players.
“Financially I’m fine, but I know there are players out there who I played with that need all the help they can get. Unfortunately for me, the NFL will only try to help out with any of my medical bills and therapy what my personal insurance won’t cover. I’m hoping to bring some awareness so the NFL will be able to help others and future players who are battling illnesses like myself.
“It’s still all about the fans for me, as long as I’m able, I’m going to continue to be out there and travel to the small towns which I love most and meet the fans. Thank you for all the support and always remember, ‘We’re not here for a long time, we’re here for a good time’. TK.”
Minnesota Vikings Fans React to Tommy Kramer’s Heartbreaking Message
Tommy Kramer spent 14 of his 15 NFL seasons with the Vikings, making one Pro Bowl and Second Team All-Pro in his career. Always the ultimate competitor, he was easy to cheer for. Vikings fans especially were heartbroken to hear of his diagnosis:
My first true hero. When I was a kid I wanted to be Tommy Kramer because he was, and still is, so damn cool. Couldn’t wear 9 in high school so I wore 19 for my game jersey, and I still wear it on my bowling shirt.
Hang in there, TK. You are loved and supported by many. #Skol https://t.co/zziKJs8dqS
— Ted Glover (@purplebuckeye) September 25, 2024
Prayers up for Tommy! He’s a Vikings legend and an awesome guy! https://t.co/TSmgeQ8reW
— Vikeologist™ (@Vikeologist) September 26, 2024
Keep fighting TK. Never a late-game situation you couldn’t conquer! Lifelong Vikes fan in your corner. #TwoMinuteTommy 🙏 💪 #Skol https://t.co/OBawSmokG8 pic.twitter.com/a946mNbfBO
— Anthony Rothman (@AnthonyRothman) September 26, 2024
Sad news. The @Vikings should really put Tommy Kramer & Anthony Carter in the Ring of Honor, preferably together. People forget how dominant those 49ers teams were in the 80s & AC & Touchdown Tommy absolutely lit them up. https://t.co/koPpMczyeg
— Skol Gonzo (@skolgonzo) September 25, 2024
@DevinFaldet & I had the pleasure of meeting you this spring in Fargo, you were more than gracious especially to a couple big Vikes fans like us, wishing you well in the future TK #SkolVikes https://t.co/PnwxHUMl0m pic.twitter.com/w0pv5eJdjd
— Carson (@StuhaugC) September 25, 2024
Hopefully Kramer has more years left in him because fans sure do love interacting with him.
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