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Monday, January 12, 2026
Law

Former Mississippi Governor Implicated in Brett Favre Fraud Case

  • Phil Bryant allegedly helped Favre obtain at least $5 million from the state’s welfare funds.
  • Favre was angling to use the funds to build a new volleyball arena at his alma mater, the University of Southern Mississippi.
Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Brett Favre’s ongoing legal troubles with the welfare of Mississippi has now become a conspiracy at the highest levels of the state’s government.

Former Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant allegedly helped Favre obtain at least $5 million from the state’s welfare funds, according to copies of text messages obtained by Mississippi Today as part of its investigation into the Pro Football Hall of Famer. 

Favre was angling to use the funds to build a new volleyball arena at his alma mater, the University of Southern Mississippi — where his daughter was on the volleyball team. 

The NFL great has been the primary subject of a $70 million welfare fraud investigation that was opened in 2020.

Earlier this month, Favre was interviewed by the FBI about his role in the scandal. 

Favre received $1.1 million in speaking fees for appearances he did not make. He has paid back that money — but not the approximately $228,000 in interest that goes along with it.

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