I consider Brett Favre to be one of the greatest, most inspirational, tough as nails quarterbacks of all time. He was truly an asset to the game.
Congratulations to him on a brilliant career.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre has retired after 17 record-breaking seasons, saying the stress of living up to his high standards had become too much.
“I know I can still play but it’s like I told my wife, I’m just tired mentally,” the 38-year-old told ESPN television on Tuesday.
“Physically I feel okay but the stress of studying (game film) every week has gotten too much and the more stressful it got, well I’m always trying to top what I’d done the previous week.”
Favre’s decision came as something of a shock following one of the best seasons of his Hall of Fame career, as he passed for 4,155 yards and 28 touchdowns.
The veteran had strongly hinted he would return for at least one more season after leading the Packers to a 13-3 record and the NFC title game where they lost to the eventual Super Bowl champion New York Giants in overtime.
FINAL CAMPAIGN
Favre, who started 275 consecutive regular season and playoff games, broke NFL records in his final campaign for most touchdown passes (442), passing yards (61,655), pass completions (5,377) and games with at least three touchdown passes (63).
“He has had one of the greatest careers in the history of the National Football League and he is able to walk away from the game on his own terms, not many players are able to do that,” general manager Ted Thompson told the team’s Web site (www.packers.com).
“The Packers owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude. He has given Packers fans wonderful memories, a Super Bowl championship among them, that will live forever.”
The league’s only triple Most Valuable Player, Favre led the Packers to the 1997 Super Bowl title and was named to nine Pro Bowl teams.
While Favre’s records, titles and numerous honors mark him out as one of the all-time greats, it was his grit and passion for the game that made the cannon-armed quarterback a fan favorite.
“Brett’s many accomplishments on the field are legendary,” said Thompson. “He leaves the game holding virtually every career passing record, plus his consecutive starts streak, which may never be duplicated.
“The uniqueness of Brett Favre, his personality, charisma and love of the game, undoubtedly will leave him as one of the enduring figures in NFL history.”
