Mike McCarthy sends prayers to Brett Favre after Parkinson's diagnosis
On Tuesday, Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre revealed that he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease during his testimony to the House Ways and Means Committee about his involvement in the Mississippi State Welfare Fund scam.
Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy was as astonished as the rest of the football fraternity about the three-time MVP's admission. During his media availability on Tuesday, the former Green Bay Packers head coach revealed that he had a word with Favre and was praying for him. He told reporters:
"I heard the news this morning and I reached out. Tremendous man, and obviously it touches all of us. Brett has worked with a lot of people in this building. Our hearts, our prayers and our thoughts go out to him and his family."
McCarthy was Favre's head coach in his final two seasons in Green Bay. They finished 8-8 in their first season together but improved to 13-3 in 2007. They beat the Cowboys in the divisional round and were heavy favorites to win the NFC Championship Game against the New York Giants.
However, they lost 23-20 at home to the eventual Super Bowl champions in Favre's final game for the Packers. Despite spending only two seasons together, the Hall of Fame quarterback and McCarthy seemingly have a good rapport and have stayed in touch.
Brett Favre's Parkinson's diagnosis: QB blames concussion for the disease
During his testimony to the House Ways and Commons Committee, Farve suggested that the concussions he suffered during his playing career were responsible for his developing the incurable disease.
He told the committee:
"Sadly, I also lost an investment in a company that I believed was developing a breakthrough concussion drug I thought would help others, and I’m sure you’ll understand why 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 (public) money for his own use."
Favre had invested in a company called Prevacus, which had reportedly developed a drug that prevented concussions and helped cure its effects. In addition to the quarterback's money, the company's founder, Jacob VanLandingham, received $2.1 million from the Mississippi State welfare fund.
In July, he admitted that he used the funds to pay off gambling debts, a massive setback for Favre.