GREEN BAY, Wisc., May 14 -- The Green Bay Packers announced Tuesday that quarterback Brett Favre, the NFL Player of the Year and three-time Pro Bowler, has voluntarily entered the league's substance abuse program to deal with an apparent dependency on painkillers. Favre, who was also named the UPI Offensive Player of the Year, entered on a self-referral basis -- meaning he has not failed a drug test of any kind nor been arrested. Because of league confidentiality rules, it is unclear how long Favre has been undergoing treatment, but he first contacted NFL doctors in February. During a press conference Tuesday, Favre, who has developed a reputation as one of the NFL's toughest quarterback's and was able to play with pain, said he 'possibly became dependent on painkillers.' 'My main objective is to get better for myself and for my family,' said Favre, who explained he may have become dependent upon pain medication to treat injuries over the past few seasons. Favre said he had a seizure during ankle surgery in February and 'thought that the best thing to do was to seek help.' 'It's not an easy thing to do, but hopefully I can help others,' Favre said. The 26-year-old quarterback enjoyed his finest season in 1995 and guided the Packers to their first NFC title game in nearly three decades. 'Brett voluntarily referred himself to the League's doctors,' said Packers' coach Mike Holmgren. 'Our team physicians -- Dr. Patrick McKenzie and Dr. John Gray -- have been with Brett every step of the way since he began treatment.
'Due to the confidentiality of the program, (General Manager) Ron Wolf and I only became aware of Brett'sinvolvement with the League's program within the last week. Brett has shown over the years that he is courageous not only on-the-field but also in battling the medical problem that occurred after his auto accident several years ago.' The identity of the self-referred players would normally be confidential from all NFL and team personnel unless the Medical Director needs to inform the team physician for the safety of the player. 'Perhaps, his public actions today will help other athletes of all ages who are in similar circumstances to face their problems and seek help,' said Holmgren. 'The entire Packer organization, including his teammates and coaching staff, congratulate Brett for seeking treatment and counseling. We will be here to support him on a daily basis from now on.' Favre, who is entering his sixth season out of Southern Mississippi, threw for 4,413 yards and a league-leading 38 touchdowns during the regular season. He completed 21 of 28 passes for 299 yards and two scores as the Packers knocked off the San Francisco 49ers, 27-17, in an NFC divisional playoff game. Favre threw for 307 yards and three touchdowns as Green Bay made its first appearance in a title game since the 1967 season, losing 38-27 to the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC championship. The 26-year-old Favre was a second-round draft choice of the Atlanta Falcons in 1991 and was acquired by the Packers in a trade prior to the 1992 season. He became the Packers' starting signal caller that year and has led Green Bay to the playoffs each of the last three seasons. In five seasons, Favre has completed 1,342 passes (62.4 percent) for 14,825 yards with 108 touchdowns and 66 interceptions. Favre has 13 touchdown passes and six interceptions in seven career post-season games.
