Brett Favre remains married to his wife, Deanna Favre, after more than 30 years together. The couple, who met as teenagers in Mississippi, have weathered multiple scandals and health crises that would have ended many marriages.
From High School Sweethearts to NFL Royalty
The Favres first met at Hancock North Central High School in Kiln, Mississippi, in 1983. They dated on and off during Brett's rise from a small-town quarterback to a Super Bowl champion with the Green Bay Packers. Their first daughter, Brittany, was born in February 1989, when Brett was still at the University of Southern Mississippi. Deanna worked full-time while finishing her degree.
Addiction and a Wedding
By 1996, Brett Favre was struggling with a severe addiction to the painkiller Vicodin. After suffering a seizure, he entered a rehabilitation facility in May 1996. Upon his release, Deanna agreed to marry him, and the couple wed on July 14, 1996. Deanna later said that her faith guided her decision: "You can't leave just because things get hard... Faith carried us through the darkest times of our lives."
In 1999, the marriage faced another crisis when Brett's alcohol abuse escalated. Deanna gave an ultimatum, and Brett entered rehab for a second time, achieving sobriety that he has maintained ever since. That same year, on July 13, 1999, the couple welcomed their second daughter, Breleigh Ann.
Deanna's Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Tragedy struck in 2004 when Deanna received a breast cancer diagnosis just days after her brother was killed in an accident on the Favres' property. According to an interview with CBN, Deanna recalled: "I had a loving husband, two daughters, a wonderful life. And breast cancer." Brett shaved his head during her chemotherapy in a show of solidarity. Deanna beat the disease and later founded the Deanna Favre Hope Foundation, publishing her memoir Don't Bet Against Me!
Scandal and Retirement
In 2010, reports surfaced that Favre had sent explicit text messages to New York Jets sideline reporter Jenn Sterger. He admitted to sending voicemails but denied explicit photos. The NFL launched an investigation. Despite intense media scrutiny, Deanna stood by her husband and the couple worked through the scandal privately.
Brett officially retired from the NFL in January 2011 after a 20-year career, allowing the family to step away from public life and focus on their life in Sumrall, Mississippi.
Welfare Lawsuit and Parkinson's Diagnosis
From 2020 to 2023, Brett Favre was embroiled in a civil lawsuit over the misallocation of Mississippi state welfare funds, which were directed toward a college volleyball facility. He repaid more than $1 million to the state while denying intentional wrongdoing.
In September 2024, during congressional testimony about concussion risks in football, Brett revealed he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. He stated: "I've recently been diagnosed with Parkinson's." Since then, Deanna has once again become his primary caregiver and support system.
Why Deanna Stayed
Deanna has been candid about her reasons for staying with Brett through every trial. In her CBN interview, she explained that commitment means pushing through difficult times together, and that rebuilding trust required patience and mutual dedication. The couple's religious faith has been a cornerstone of their enduring marriage.
In May 2025, Netflix released the documentary Untold: The Fall of Favre, which examined Brett's football legacy alongside his personal controversies. Despite renewed public interest, the Favres have maintained their private life together in Mississippi.
Brett Favre and Deanna Favre remain married after 30 years together. Their union has survived addiction, scandal, life-threatening illness, and ongoing legal battles, serving as a testament to their commitment to each other.
