Major Controversies Surrounding Brett Favre: A Detailed Timeline
Public opinion and media debates around Brett Favre—discover key moments of controversy.
Brett Favre, a former NFL quarterback, is renowned for his remarkable 20-season career, predominantly with the Green Bay Packers. He holds the NFL record for 321 consecutive starts (297 regular season games) from 1992 to 2010. Favre was the first NFL quarterback to surpass 70,000 passing yards, 10,000 pass attempts, 6,000 pass completions, and 500 touchdowns. He also achieved victories against all 32 NFL teams.
2001: Controversial Sack
In 2001, during the regular-season finale, Favre was sacked by Michael Strahan, giving Strahan the NFL's single-season sack record with 22.5 sacks. The circumstances surrounding the sack were seen as controversial by some.
July 14, 2008: Favre Speaks on Potential Comeback
On July 14, 2008, Brett Favre publicly discussed his potential NFL comeback during an interview on Fox News, stating he regretted retiring early, felt pressured by the Packers, and desired to be released to play for a competitive team, accusing the Packers of dishonesty.
July 16, 2008: Packers File Tampering Charges Against Vikings
On July 16, 2008, the Packers accused the Minnesota Vikings of tampering by improperly communicating with Brett Favre. The NFL investigated and determined no violation had occurred.
2008: Allegations of Inappropriate Conduct
During the 2008 season, Favre allegedly sent inappropriate texts and voicemails to Jenn Sterger while playing for the Jets, leading to a later NFL investigation.
September 2009: Jets Fined for Not Reporting Favre's Injury
In September 2009, the NFL fined the New York Jets $125,000 for failing to report Brett Favre's arm injury sustained during the 2008 season.
2010: NFL Investigation and Fine
In 2010, the NFL investigated Favre for allegedly sexting and leaving inappropriate voice messages for Jenn Sterger, resulting in a $50,000 fine for failing to cooperate.
May 4, 2020: Allegations of Misspent Funds
On May 4, 2020, an audit in Mississippi alleged that the state's Department of Human Services misspent $94 million, including $1.1 million paid to Favre's company for speaking appearances he did not make.
2020: Involvement in Concussion Drug Promotion and Welfare Funds
In 2020, Favre's involvement with the promotion of a concussion treatment drug, Prevasol, and the diversion of Mississippi welfare funds to the Mississippi Community Education Center (MCEC) came under scrutiny.
October 12, 2021: Notice of Civil Lawsuit
On October 12, 2021, the Mississippi State Auditor notified Favre that he could face a civil lawsuit if he did not pay the state $828,000.
October 26, 2021: Partial Payment Made
On October 26, 2021, Favre paid $600,000 towards the debt owed to the state of Mississippi.
September 13, 2022: Publication of Text Messages
On September 13, 2022, Mississippi Today published text messages revealing Favre's involvement in a plan to divert $5 million for a volleyball facility at the University of Southern Mississippi.
2022: Mississippi Welfare Funds Scandal
In 2022, Favre faced controversy over allegations that $8 million in Mississippi welfare funds were directed to him or causes he supported.
August 2023: Ordered to Stand as Defendant
In August 2023, the Mississippi Supreme Court ordered Favre to stand as a defendant in the welfare funds lawsuit.
December 11, 2023: Deposition in Welfare Funds Lawsuit
On December 11, 2023, Favre participated in a deposition regarding the welfare funds lawsuit, being interrogated for over nine hours.
