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Favre Hangs It Up After 17 Seasons

AP Sports

Posted: 2008-03-04 21:08:30

Filed Under: NFL

GREEN BAY, Wis. (March 4) - Brett Favre finally met the one person who could stop him - and that was himself.

He won a Super Bowl and three MVPs. He set every record worth having for a quarterback in the NFL - most career touchdown passes, most career yards passing, most career victories by a starting quarterback. In an age when few quarterbacks could last a whole season, Favre went almost 16 years without missing a single game, an indestructible 253 straight regular-season starts.

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After having one of his finest seasons and leading the Packers to the NFC Championship game, Brett Favre is calling it quits. The beloved quarterback informed the team Monday that he is retiring. Take our quiz and see what you know about the future Hall of Famer.

The fist-pumping highs didn't satisfy him. The head-shaking lows didn't deter him. He had done it all, and he was worn out.

"I know I can still play, but it's like I told my wife, I'm just tired mentally. I'm just tired," one of the NFL's greatest players told ESPN's Chris Mortensen in a voice mail message.

The Green Bay Packers quarterback who completed more passes than anyone in history will let that last throw - an interception in the NFC championship game that set up the New York Giants' winning field goal - stand as his final toss.

This time, Favre's fans won't have to endure another long winter wondering whether he'll retire.

"I think the finality of it just kind of hits you," Packers general manager Ted Thompson said. "Brett Favre's not going to be our quarterback anymore."

Even the prospect of playing in one more Super Bowl couldn't convince him to stay.

"To go to the Super Bowl and lose, would almost be worse than anything else," Favre told ESPN. "Anything less than a Super Bowl win would be unsuccessful."

The 38-year-old Favre experienced a career resurgence last season, leading the Packers back to the playoffs. And he broke Dan Marino's career records for most touchdown passes and most yards passing and John Elway's record for most career victories by a starting quarterback.

Most thought Favre had another good year left in him. But the guy who had joyful disregard for the ironclad rules of quarterback play said he was done.

"I was surprised when I heard it," former Packers general manager Ron Wolf said. "He played with such a great passion. He must have figured he no longer had that passion, and it was time to get out."

Favre told the team he was simply worn out, physically and mentally, after starting every game since taking over as the Packers' starting quarterback in 1992.

Brett Favre Retires

Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson talks about the retirement of Brett Favre, quarterback for the NFL football team, during a Tuesday, March 4, 2008, news conference at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
AP
Green Bay Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy listens to General Manager Ted Thompson at a news conference following the announcement that quarterback Brett Favre will retire from the Packers in Wisconsin March 4, 2008. Favre played 16 seasons with the Packers starting 275 consecutive games, including playoff games REUTERS/Allen Fredrickson (UNITED STATES)
Reuters
Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy listens to general manager Ted Thompson during a news conference following the announcement that quarterback Brett Favre will retire from the Packers, in Green Bay, Wisconsin March 4, 2008. Favre played 16 seasons with the Packers starting 275 consecutive games, including playoff games REUTERS/Allen Fredrickson (UNITED STATES)
Reuters
Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson (L) speaks at a news conference as head coach Mike McCarthy listens following the announcement that quarterback Brett Favre will retire from the Packers, in Green Bay, Wisconsin March 4, 2008. Favre played 16 seasons with the Packers starting 275 consecutive games, including playoff games REUTERS/Allen Fredrickson (UNITED STATES)
Reuters
Former Green Bay Packers CEO, Bob Harlan, talks about the retirement of Brett Favre, Tuesday March 4, 2008, during a news conference at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
AP
Ted Thompson, general manager of the Green Bay Packers, talk about the retirement of the NFL football team's quarterback Brett Favre, during a news conference Tuesday, March 4, 2008, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
AP
Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy, right, and general manager Ted Thompson talk about the retirement of the NFL football team's quarterback Brett Favre, during a news conference Tuesday, March 4, 2008, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
AP
Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy, right, and general manager Ted Thompson talk about the retirement of th eNFL football team's quarterback Brett Favre, during a news conference Tuesday, March 4, 2008, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
AP
Former Green Bay Packers president Bob Harlan talks about former general manager Ron Wolfe asking about trading a first round draft pick for the Atlanta Falcons second string quarterback Brett Favre in 1991, following the announcement that Favre will retire from the Packers, during a news conference in Green Bay, Wisconsin, March 4, 2008. Favre played 16 seasons with the Packers starting 275 consecutive games, including playoff games REUTERS/Allen Fredrickson (UNITED STATES)
Reuters
Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy reacts to an old Brett Favre story following the announcement that quarterback Brett Favre will retire from the Packers, during a news conference in Green Bay, Wisconsin, March 4, 2008. Favre played 16 seasons with the Packers starting 275 consecutive games, including playoff games REUTERS/Allen Fredrickson (UNITED STATES)
Reuters

He talked to coach Mike McCarthy by telephone twice Monday night, indicating he intended to retire, then spoke to Thompson to finalize his decision Tuesday morning.

"He said it was time for him to hang up the cleats," McCarthy said.

Thompson and McCarthy spoke at a news conference Tuesday afternoon, but the team has not said when Favre will address reporters.

Favre accompanied his youngest daughter on a field trip to Jackson, Miss., according to a woman who identified herself as someone who works for Favre. She spoke to an Associated Press reporter through the security intercom.

Favre retires with 5,377 career completions in 8,758 attempts, with 61,655 yards and 442 touchdowns.

As the Packers cheered those touchdowns and victories (and cringed at his NFL-leading 288 interceptions) Favre's body was breaking down.

"After a while it takes a toll," Thompson said. "And based on my conversations with him and Mike's conversations with him, he feels like that's enough paying of the toll."

That comes from his quarterback-record streak of 253 consecutive regular-season starts - illustrating his trademark toughness. Add in the playoffs, and Favre's streak stands at 275.

"Brett's career accomplishments will be measured among the greats of the game for the balance of time," said Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren, Favre's former coach in Green Bay. "He truly was as gifted a player as I have ever seen, and as proud and amazed as I am of what Brett has accomplished on the playing field, the thing that impresses me the most is what kind of a man and leader he has become off the field since I have known him."

Even Favre's teammates didn't see it coming.

"I just saw it come across the TV," Packers wide receiver Koren Robinson said, when reached on his cell phone by the AP.

Thompson and McCarthy insisted it was clear the team wanted Favre back.

"How could you not want Brett Favre's career to continue," McCarthy said.

However, Favre's agent, Bus Cook, said:

"Nobody pushed Brett Favre out the door, but then nobody encouraged him not to go out that door, either." He spoke to the AP by phone from his Hattiesburg, Miss., office.

Thompson and McCarthy also said the Packers' lack of interest in wide receiver Randy Moss - a player Favre publicly lobbied the Packers to sign last offseason but who re-signed with the New England Patriots on Monday - wasn't a factor.

Former Packers coach Mike Sherman, now the head coach at Texas A&M, said he always figured Favre would go out with more fanfare.

"I always envisioned his teammates carrying him off the field - and his arm falling off as he left," Sherman said.

Now, he must be tough enough to stick to his decision to retire.

"As the season gets closer, I wouldn't be surprised at all if he changes his mind," said Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman, a Fox analyst who played 12 years with the Dallas Cowboys.

What if Favre were to call the Packers come July?

"I think somebody would find a place for him," Packers chairman emeritus Bob Harlan said.

Associated Press Writer Ron Harrist in Jackson, Miss. and sports writers Arnie Stapleton in Denver and John Wawrow in Buffalo, N.Y., contributed to this report.

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2008-03-04 09:44:20

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1569 comments

englabever 10:20:44 PM Mar 07 2008

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Brett Farve is undoubtly the best quarterback to have played the game. He will most surely be missed by the coach and the players. I understand though,he has played a long time and he gave it his all and now we owe Brett something,peace of mind,that the decision he made was for the good of Brett and his family. Regardless of weather Brett changes his mind or not,and that will be his decision ,we all owe him his space. God Bless you Brett and many thanks. I am not a packer fan but I did watch the packers because of Brett Favre. Thanks again Brett.

edagostinj 05:43:35 PM Mar 07 2008

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I hope many people read the following: Only one player who played with Brett will be in the hall of fame with him and that player, Reggie White played more than half his career in Philadelphia.

How many of Brett's linemen and running backs went to the pro bowl during his career?

Maybe Sean Jensen knows? I doubt it!

poetlor 01:13:14 AM Mar 07 2008

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Poetorsafaiman:

As time passes people wlll look back and realize that Brett Favre was one of the greatest players to ver play the game. when you walk through the hall of fame, the records, the plays the heart he displayed,it will be easy to see who was the greatest QB to ever put cleets on. In time, people will remember this down=home country boy, who became a humble and great man, as a legend who played the game with all that he had. He never left any thing on the field, he gave his all, and loved the game he played. Not too far into the future there will be another statue outside of Lambeau field not far from where Vince is, it wll be #4 because every football fan will realize he made the game greater by playing-we'll miss you Mr.Favre-God bless you, keep you and your family safe and in good health-today, the legend retired and the world of football shed a tear, but also, those who really know the game, also said " Thank You!"
Thanks for the memories Brett, you'll always b

brownsfan656 10:07:37 PM Mar 06 2008

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hey dcwbys4ever how did u feel when romo screwed up the extra point in the playoffs .... now thats pathetic!! duhhh

cmc0254 06:10:16 PM Mar 06 2008

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They couldn't keep a QB in dallas long enough for him or her to set any or break any records cause the owner is such a dick. Any owner that has to sit on the sidelines to make sure all his players know who runs the team needs to get a life. At least the pack doesn't have to go buy a championship we build ours from the ground up.

dcwbys4ever 03:51:26 AM Mar 06 2008

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bmb0618 You really are the Biggest idiot of them all there with that post !
Just when I thought Suzie was the worst you had to top it off there with that poast stating Dallas never won a post season game without the refs !! Wow I wish I could count how many post season games Dallas Has won all those years and ONLY cause of the Refs ! and lets not forget how many time they Beat the Packs
sending them home !! Sorry Mr Farve/Favre but Mr Aikman went half the amount of time playing and won 3 Superbowls so you are NOT the Best !! Period so Fans get a life there !

meowhisseyfit 11:25:53 PM Mar 05 2008

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suzie didnt beat him this time but he got beat there in dallas many times ask Brett about Troy Aikman now quit hating and just wish him well and thanks FOr the memories Brett Giod Bless you

gbyron60 10:54:43 PM Mar 05 2008

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A Washington Redskin fan here salutes a great man, as well as a great player. Enjoy a well deserved rest; you have certainly earned it.

curlyjcb2 07:26:12 PM Mar 05 2008

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This is to all the stupid people that are leaving even stupider comments about Brett Favre. I don't care what team you like, Brett is and was one of the best quarterbacks that played the game. So all you stupid people, save your ignorant comments to yourself. GO PACKERS!!

bmb0618 06:49:30 PM Mar 05 2008

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Brett Favre is the greatest quarterback ever, everyone knows it. The cowboys never won a playoff game in history without paying officials. landry probably commited suicide after the shame of coaching that drug dealing trash.

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