How did Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy react to Brett Favre’s Parkinson’s diagnosis?
As the NFL and its fans process the former Packers star’s health status, reactions have begun, not the least of which is one from the Cowboys’ coach.
Having enjoyed both a professional a personal relationship, it’s understandable that the Cowboys’ coach has been moved by the situation surrounding his former player, one of the NFL’s most legendary quarterbacks.
Mike McCarthy moved by Brett Favre’s Parkinson’s announcement
On Tuesday, Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre shocked the world by announcing that he had recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Now, it’s important to note that Favre did so while testifying in front of the House Ways and Means Committee in Washington, D.C. If you didn’t know, the 54-year-old was appearing before Congress as part of an active investigation into his alleged misuse of taxpayer funds in Mississippi, something we’ve previously covered.
“Sadly, I...lost an investment in a company that I believed was developing a breakthrough concussion drug I thought would help others,” Favre said. “And I’m sure you’ll understand why it’s too late for me because I’ve recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s.”
Needless to say, Favre’s announcement had a profound effect on the NFL with some of his former teammates and coaches weighing in on the situation. Indeed, that was the case with Mike McCarthy, the man who coached him in his final season (2006-2007) and is also the current head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. McCarthy explained that Favre’s health was indeed a topic of conversation ahead of his team’s preparation for the “Thursday Night Football” clash with the New York Giants in Week 4. Do consider that the Cowboys’ assistant coach/defensive backs coach Al Harris was a Packers teammate of Favre’s between 2003 to 2007, while Dallas’ offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer was his OC with the New York Jets in 2008.
“I heard the news this morning and I reached out,” McCarthy said on Tuesday. “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.”