Legendary NFL QB Stays Hopeful Despite Parkinson’s Diagnosis

Published: January 12, 2026

By Kayla DeKraker

Hall of Fame American football legend Brett Favre says he’s not giving up hope despite his Parkinson’s diagnosis.

The 56-year-old recently took to X to let fans know that despite rumors, he is still fighting.

“Thank you everyone for your prayers and concerns, but contrary to reports, I have not given up hope in my battle with Parkinson’s!” he said.

“Not sure where this came from — but just like I never gave up on the gridiron —not going to start now,” he added. “I pray there will be a cure one day and I appreciate you all.”

People in the comment section showered support on the former quarterback.

“Stay Strong Brett! Love that fighting spirit that we all know you have. Once a grinder always a grinder no matter what we face in life! Stay Blessed, Always in the Fight!” one fan wrote.

Another person commented, “You are always in my prayers. Your strength and fight inspires us all.”

Thank you everyone for your prayers and concerns, but contrary to reports, I have not given up hope in my battle with Parkinson’s!

Not sure where this came from — but just like I never gave up on the gridiron —not going to start now.

I pray there will be a cure one day and I…

— Brett Favre (@BrettFavre) January 7, 2026

The NIH describes Parkinson’s as “a progressive movement disorder of the nervous system. It causes nerve cells (neurons) in parts of the brain to weaken, become damaged, and die, leading to symptoms that include problems with movement, tremor, stiffness, and impaired balance.”

They add “As symptoms progress, people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) may have difficulty walking, talking, or completing other simple tasks.”

Favre was diagnosed with the progressive disease back in January 2024. After his diagnosis, he explained when he realized something was wrong.

“I would be doing something, and my right arm, I’d notice it was just stuck right there,” he recalled. “I felt my arm, the strength was there, but I could not guide it. And it was the most frustrating thing so those two really kind of, eventually, I was like, you know I’m just gonna get it checked.”

But despite reports suggesting otherwise, Farve hasn’t given up and has hope in his savior, Jesus.

“I have absolutely not given up and I am fighting till the end,” he told TMZ Sports. “Yes I have progressed a little faster than I would have hoped at this point but I’m extremely thankful and blessed!!!”

In a Christmas Day post, he reflected on his salvation in Christ.

“I’ve never claimed to be perfect, but my aim is for the direction of my life to honor Christ and I pray my faith increases,” Farve wrote. “So I do want to wish you all a Merry Christmas, whether you’re solo, with family, or friends, and if you haven’t done so, put your faith in Him who can save, Jesus Christ.”

He included Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”