Former Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy, now coaching the Dallas Cowboys, was asked Tuesday about the news that Brett Favre said he has Parkinson’s disease.

Favre revealed the diagnosis Tuesday morning while speaking at a congressional hearing about the misappropriation of federal money intended for needy families, part of a $77 million welfare fraud scandal in Mississippi to which Favre has ties.

First, I want to thank God for all He has done in my life.

Next, thanks to Congress for giving me the platform to discuss a much needed TANF reform.

As you know, I was recently diagnosed w/ Parkinson’s which has been an ordeal. My wife, family, and friends have been…

— Brett Favre (@BrettFavre) September 24, 2024

“I heard the news this morning and I reached out,” McCarthy said. “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.”

More: Pete Dougherty: Former Packers quarterback Brett Favre paid a high price for being a football star

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers also shared his thoughts, speaking in Menasha.

“We wish him the best. It’s a tough road,” Evers said, adding that he had friends battling the disease.

It’s awkward timing, given Favre’s public involvement in the fraud scandal. He hasn’t been charged with a crime but is being sued by the state of Mississippi’s Department of Human Services for roughly $730,000 of unpaid interest on $1.1 million he was paid for speaking engagements that a state audit found he never made. Favre has since returned the original $1.1 million.

Favre has denied any knowledge that $5 million used to construct a volleyball facility at his alma mater came from federal money earmarked for Mississippi’s underprivileged. Favre lobbied for the funds from officials who had access to a block grant known as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

Jenn Sterger reacts very differently from Mike McCarthy
One person who didn’t want to lose sight of the circumstances in Mississippi was Jenn Sterger, the former New York Jets gameday on-air host who accused Favre of sending her explicit texts during his one season with the franchise in 2008.

Favre admitted sending Sterger voicemails, and he was fined $50,000 for lack of cooperation with the league’s investigation, which ultimately didn’t result in a suspension.