Eric the Red Posted March 4, 2008 Share Posted March 4, 2008 Favre has decided to call it a career The most storied quarterback career in NFL history is coming to a close. Brett Favre, the NFL's all-time career passing leader, has decided to retire. It's believed he informed the Packers of his decision within the last few days. Barring an unforeseen last-minute change of heart, Favre leaves the game after a 17-year career in which he built himself into a household name and a figure synonymous with grit, toughness and perseverance. "Brett Favre has informed us of his intention to retire from the Green Bay Packers and the NFL," Packers GM Ted Thompson said in a statement released by the team. "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. "The Packers owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude. He has given Packers fans 16 years of wonderful memories, a Super Bowl championship among them, that will live on forever. ... 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." After flirting with retirement for the last few years, Favre will finally go out on the heels of one of the best seasons of his career. He led the Packers to the NFC Championship Game after passing for a stunning 4,155 yards, looking very much at times like a younger version of himself. In addition, he threw 28 TDs — including an overtime Hail Mary pass to beat Denver in front of a national audience — and had a 95.7 quarterback rating. He was also voted into the Pro Bowl, but declined to go. Favre's agent, Bus Cook, said the quarterback told him of his decision Monday night. "Nobody pushed Brett Favre out the door, but then nobody encouraged him not to go out that door, either," Cook said by phone from his Hattiesburg, Miss., office. Favre leaves the game as the all-time leader in wins, passing yards, touchdowns and consecutive games started by a quarterback. A three-time MVP, the southern swashbuckler won fans over with his carefree style that epitomized the "gunslinger" moniker and made fans out of everyone from the guy next door to those already enshrined in Canton. If in fact Favre does not have a change of heart, his final pass of a Hall of Fame Career was an interception by the Giants' Corey Webster, setting up New York's overtime win in the NFC title game. For the last few years, the question of whether or not Favre was going to retire has been the most debated topic during the off-season. Two years ago he let his decision linger as reports both that he was returning and that he was retiring emerged. In fact, at one point he was supposedly going to announce his retirement at his charity golf tournament. Of course, those reports ultimately proved to be false. After his final game of the 2006 season, a tearing and emotional Favre appeared on national TV and seemed to be bidding the game adieu. But once again, he had a change of heart and came back for what proved to be one heck of a final hurrah. This time, Favre appears to have made his final decision. However, like in the past, Favre could wake up any day now and decide to change his mind, although that doesn't seem likely at this point. The team will now shift to Aaron Rodgers, a former first-round pick, who has had few opportunities to play since being selected with the 24th overall pick in the 2005 draft. But when Favre was injured in a Thursday night game against Dallas this past season, Rodgers looked pretty good in relief. The former Cal star completed 18 of 26 passes for 201 yards and a touchdown — the first of his career — and nearly rallied the Packers to the win. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report. Quote Link to comment
AR Husker Fan Posted March 4, 2008 Share Posted March 4, 2008 A shame it has to end... Quote Link to comment
Jarred04 Posted March 4, 2008 Share Posted March 4, 2008 I am crying inside...and a little outside, too. Quote Link to comment
sarge87 Posted March 4, 2008 Share Posted March 4, 2008 As a Vikings fan, I should be doing cart wheels, but I'm not. The NFL has lost probably one of the greatest ever to play the QB position, and one of the most classiest individuals to play the game. Win or lose he always had a smile on his face. Unlike other players who get lost in the hype of creating characters and the business of football, he treated it as what it is, simply a game. The annual Vikings/Packer rivalry will not be the same without #4 on the other side of the ball. Good luck to Brett and his family in his future endeavors. Quote Link to comment
MUTigerFan Posted March 4, 2008 Share Posted March 4, 2008 His agent, James (Bus) Cook, told me a few minutes ago that he believes Favre wants to play another year and didn’t get the sense that the Packers wanted him back all that badly. (quoted in the NY Times.) Can we get some love for Brett?? He'll be back. He and Roger Clemens should form the "Retirement of the Week Club". Quote Link to comment
huskerfan500 Posted March 4, 2008 Share Posted March 4, 2008 Yes I hate Farve, although it would have been funny to see him completly suck next year. I hate how everyone says he is the best guy in the world and how good he is Quote Link to comment
Drowning_in_the_Sea_of_Red Posted March 5, 2008 Share Posted March 5, 2008 Yes I hate Farve, although it would have been funny to see him completly suck next year. I hate how everyone says he is the best guy in the world and how good he is Tired of him kickin' the crap out of your team? I, for one, loved watching him play. He was like a little kid out there. Sad to see him go. Quote Link to comment
zoogs Posted March 5, 2008 Share Posted March 5, 2008 One of my favorite sportsmen, all-time. Favre's amazing. He'll be sorely missed. Quote Link to comment
huskernumerouno Posted March 5, 2008 Share Posted March 5, 2008 I agree with most everyone so far. Brett was a blast to watch, he will be remembered as a class act that excelled at his sport. Every sport could use more like him. Quote Link to comment
MCAT800 Posted March 5, 2008 Share Posted March 5, 2008 I will miss watching him play. He was something special. Quote Link to comment
ohiohusker Posted March 7, 2008 Share Posted March 7, 2008 I agree with most everyone so far. Brett was a blast to watch, he will be remembered as a class act that excelled at his sport. Every sport could use more like him. Totally agree uno. What a guy! His farewell speech just about tore his heart out. Quote Link to comment
BIGREDIOWAN Posted March 7, 2008 Share Posted March 7, 2008 It sucked to watch him crying today. He's probably the greatest QB of all time and it's going to be weird not seeing him on the field next season. Quote Link to comment
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