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NFL: Quarterback Favre ends NFL career

Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre celebrates his touchdown pass to Andre Rison during the first quarter of Super Bowl XXXI at the Superdome in New Orleans on Jan. 26, 1997. PHOTO: AP

Brett Favre has ended his legendary National Football League (NFL) career after 17 glorious seasons, the Green Bay Packers announced on Tuesday.

The Packers confirmed 38-year-old Favre's retirement in a statement by general manager Ted Thompson.

"Brett Favre has informed us of his intention to retire from the Green Bay Packers and the NFL," Thompson said.

Aside from compiling a Hall of Fame resume over the better part of two decades, Favre built himself a legacy as one of the game's most dynamic figures, inspiring numerous teammates and attracting countless fans.

Favre possessed one of the strongest throwing arms in NFL history and became one of the most revered players in the storied tradition of the Packers franchise.

It has been 11 years since Favre led the Packers past New England 35-21 for Green Bay's first Super Bowl crown after a 29-year drought. Favre has enjoyed 13 winning seasons, seven division titles and two conference crowns.

Last season after two struggling campaigns, Favre had a magical 17th NFL campaign, throwing for 28 touchdowns and 4,155 yards and guided the Packers to the NFC championship game where they lost to eventual Super Bowl champions the New York Giants.

"I know I can still play," Favre told US sports broadcaster ESPN. "But it's like I told my wife, I'm just tired mentally. I'm just tired."

The only three-time MVP in NFL history, Favre is the league's all-time leader with 5,377 career completions.

A nine-time Pro Bowler, Favre has started 253 consecutive regular-season games for the Packers, a streak that dates to September 1992.

"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," Thompson said.

During the course of the season, Favre also etched his name into the NFL record book, becoming the league's all-time leader in passing yards (61,655 yards), touchdown passes (442), and career wins (160).

But the magical campaign ended in disappointing fashion in the NFC title game, when the Packers suffered a 23-20 overtime loss to the eventual Super Bowl champion New York Giants.

Acquired in a trade with the Atlanta Falcons on February 10, 1992, Favre led the Packers to a 35-21 victory over the New England Patriots in the 1997 Super Bowl, the franchise's first title in 29 years.

The MVP in 1995 and 1996 and co-winner of the award in 1997, Favre has five seasons with at least 4,000 passing yards and eight campaigns with at least 30 TDs.
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