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), showcasing unparalleled durability. Favre was the first quarterback to surpass milestones like 70,000 passing yards, 10,000 passes, 6,000 completions, 500 touchdowns, and achieve victories against all 32 NFL teams, solidifying his status as a legendary figure in football.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1996: NFL Ban and Drug Rehab

In 1996, Favre was temporarily banned by the NFL from drinking alcohol after admitting his addiction to Vicodin, and spent 46 days at a drug rehab clinic. He also suffered a potentially deadly seizure.

2001: Strahan's Sack Record

In 2001, during the regular-season finale, Brett Favre was sacked by Michael Strahan, giving Strahan the NFL's single-season sack record of 22.5. The circumstances surrounding the sack were controversial.

July 14, 2008: Favre discusses potential comeback

On July 14, 2008, in an interview with Greta Van Susteren on Fox News Channel's "On the Record with Greta Van Susteren", Brett Favre publicly discussed his potential comeback, admitting he retired early and felt pressured by the Packers to make a decision sooner than he wanted. He expressed his desire to be released to play for a competitive team and accused the Packers of dishonesty.

July 16, 2008: Packers file tampering charges against Vikings

On July 16, 2008, FOXSports.com reported that the Packers filed tampering charges against the Minnesota Vikings, alleging improper communication between Vikings offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell and Brett Favre. However, after an investigation, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell ruled that there had been no violation of tampering rules.

2008: Alleged Sexting Incident

In 2008, the events that led to the NFL investigating Favre for allegedly sending inappropriate texts and voicemails to Jenn Sterger occurred.

September 2009: Jets fined for not reporting Favre's injury

In September 2009, the NFL fined the New York Jets $125,000 after learning that the team was aware that Brett Favre had injured his arm in the 11th game of the 2008 season but failed to report the injury in any of the Jets' final five games.

2010: NFL Investigation and Fine

In 2010, the NFL investigated Favre for allegedly sexting and leaving inappropriate voice messages for Jenn Sterger during the 2008 season. While forensic analysis couldn't prove Favre sent the photos, he was fined $50,000 for not cooperating with the investigation.

May 4, 2020: Misspent Funds Allegations

On May 4, 2020, an audit in Mississippi alleged that the state's Department of Human Services misspent $94 million intended for at-need residents, including $1.1 million paid to Favre's company for speaking appearances he did not make. The Mississippi auditor announced Favre intended to repay the money.

2020: Scrutiny over Prevasol promotion

In 2020, Favre's involvement with Prevacus corporation's concussion treatment drug, Prevasol, came under scrutiny. The Mississippi Community Education Center (MCEC) received $2.5 million in federal grant funds diverted from Mississippi's welfare funds. The Mississippi state auditor has called this 'the largest public embezzlement case in state history'.

October 12, 2021: Notification 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 and Remaining Debt

On October 26, 2021, Favre paid $600,000. The Mississippi State Auditor said Favre still owed $228,000 in interest and referred the matter to the state attorney general's office. Favre was questioned by the FBI over the funds.

September 13, 2022: Publication of Text Messages

On September 13, 2022, Mississippi Today published text messages between Favre and former Mississippi governor Phil Bryant showing Favre's involvement in a plan to divert $5 million of welfare money to a new volleyball facility at the University of Southern Mississippi.

2022: Mississippi welfare funds scandal controversy

In 2022, Favre faced controversy over the Mississippi welfare funds scandal and denied the allegations.

August 2023: Ordered to stand as defendant

In August 2023, the Mississippi Supreme Court ordered for 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, with attorneys for the State of Mississippi interrogating him for more than nine hours regarding the welfare funds lawsuit.