Brett Favre Says He’s Suffered Memory Loss From NFL Career

by UInterviewOctober 26, 2013, 12:00 amNews >

Brett Favre, who played a total of 20 years in the National Football League, became the latest football player to reveal that he’s suffered memory loss as a result of his involvement with the sport.

Favre, 44, opened up about his concerns regarding the state of his health, specifically his brain, during an interview with ESPN Radio. “I think after 20 years God only knows the toll,” said Favre, who made his biggest mark in the league playing quarterback for the Green Bay Packers. “This was a little shocking to me, that I couldn’t remember my daughter playing youth soccer.”

Before Favre, who was sacked a league-high 525 times during his professional career, made his statements regarding his memory, there was talk that the veteran QB could return to the NFL. Days prior, the St. Louis Rams called to see if Favre would come out of retirement to lead their offense. Favre, who took his leave from the NFL in 2010, said he wasn’t considering a return.

“I want to live a long time, I want to live healthy, as close to normal life as I can,” said Favre.

Head injuries sustained in the NFL have come under increasing scrutiny in recent years, as the long-term effects have become clearer. A shocking study by the University of Michigan reveals that of the 34 former NFL players’ brains that have been studied postmortem, 90% show signs of degenerative brain disease, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). Symptoms associated with CTE include but are not limited to memory loss and changes in moods and behavior.

Though testing for CTE can only occur after death, Favre has considered having tests done to determine if he will experience long-lasting and increasing effects of the multiple concussions he suffered during his career. Unfortunately for the Pro Bowl QB, there isn’t much in terms of treatment that would be available to him.

– Chelsea Regan

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