Former Southern Mississippi and NFL quarterback Brett Favre surprised football fans across the country when he disclosed that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s at a hearing in Congress Tuesday.

Favre, the retired Green Bay Packers quarterback, made the surprise disclosure on Tuesday while testifying before the House Ways and Means Committee about his potential misuse of taxpayer money.

Favre is accused of misusing public money as part of a welfare investigation involving Favre and numerous individuals. Favre is accused of redirecting money to his alma mater, the University of Southern Mississippi, and to himself.

Click here for a C-Span video of the hearing where Favre makes the disclosure on Tuesday. 

Parkinson’s is a brain disorder that causes unintended or uncontrollable movements.

Symptoms, such as shaking and difficulty with balance and coordination, gradually worsen over time and often progress to difficulty walking and talking.