Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre announced he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a startling revelation he made before Congress on Tuesday as he testified about his possible misuse of taxpayer funds.

Favre, who appeared before the House Budget Committee, was accused of abusing political connections to divert public funds to his alma mater and into his own pocket.

“Sadly, I have also lost an investment in a company that I believed was developing a breakthrough concussion drug that I thought would help others and I am sure you will understand why it is too late for me as I was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s,” Favre told MPs.

“This is also a matter close to my heart. Recently, the doctor who runs the company pleaded guilty to embezzling (public) funds for his own purposes.”

Parkinson’s is a brain disease that causes involuntary or uncontrollable movements.

Symptoms such as tremors and problems with balance and coordination gradually worsen over time and often lead to difficulty walking and speaking.

Favre was in Washington on Tuesday to answer questions about how he received money from the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.

According to a state auditor, the Hall of Fame quarterback improperly received program funds for speeches he never gave.

Favre is also accused of using his connections to former Governor Phil Bryant to lobby for TANF funds for a new volleyball facility at his alma mater, the University of Southern Mississippi, where his daughter played.

No criminal charges have been brought against Favre, but he is paying back some of the money.

This is a developing story, please check back later for updates.