It is confirmed. According to Fox Sports News reporter Jay Glazer, the 17 year quarterback of the Green Bay Packers, Brett Favre, has called it quits.
“FOXSports.com has learned that legendary quarterback Brett Favre has decided to retire. In fact, it’s believed he informed the Packers of his decision within the last few days, although it’s unclear when Favre and the team will make his decision known.
So barring an unforeseen last-minute change of heart, Favre will leave the game after 17 years, during which he built himself into a household name and a figure synonymous with grit, toughness and perseverance.
…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.”
In addition, Brett Favre’s agent, Bus Cook, has confirmed this story to be true, as well as Brett Favre’s brother Scott. What are your thoughts on this abrupt retirement?
*Update*
ESPN’s Chris Mortensen is reporting that:
“According to Favre’s agent, Buss Cook, Favre informed Packers coach Mike McCarthy of his decision Monday night.
Mortensen said in a phone message Favre left for him Tuesday morning, the longtime Packers starter said he felt worn down by the demands of the game, adding that he and his wife Deanna thought anything short of a Super Bowl title would be a disappointment and not worth the mental wear and tear.
…Mortensen reported that Favre, who wanted the Packers to obtain Randy Moss when he was a free agent last season, had once again pushed for Moss to join the Packers. Favre had spoken to Moss late last week and was willing to commit to more than just this season if Moss and the Packers could come to an agreement. But the Packers did not pursue Moss, who re-signed with the Patriots on Monday.
In his voice mail message to Mortensen, Favre said the Packers’ lack of pursuit of Moss was not the driving reason why he retired.
Surrounded by an underrated group of wide receivers who proved hard to tackle after the catch, Favre had a career-high completion percentage of 66.5 in 2007. He threw for 4,155 yards, 28 touchdowns and only 15 interceptions.”
*Update #2
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has additional information:
“Quarterback Brett Favre told Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy Monday night that he was going to retire.
But his agent, James (Bus) Cook, told the Journal Sentinel this morning that he believes Favre wants to play another year and didn’t get the sense that the Packers wanted him back all that badly.
“It’s my opinion,” Cook said of the Packers’ lack of interest. “I know he wants to play one more year. I do not know much conversation there was (between Favre and the Packers) and I don’t think anyone forced him to make that decision. But I don’t know that anyone tried to talk him out of it.”
Cook said that Favre feels physically and mentally capable of playing at least one more year.
“I think he wanted to play,” Cook said. ” I think he’s still got it. He knows he’s still got it. I think he felt he could play one more year. I don’t know if they told him they really wanted him to play. That’s just the feeling I got.”
Cook was asked whether he thought Favre could be talked into returning: “I don’t know,” he said.”
*Update #3
An Official Statement from Green Bay General Manager Ted Thompson on Packers.com:
“Brett Favre has informed us of his intention to retire from the Green Bay Packers and the NFL. 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. Brett’s many accomplishments on the field are legendary. 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.”
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March 4th, 2008 at 7:42 am
He had to go sometime but it doesn’t make it any easier to see one of the greatest football players of all time leave the game. He had such heart. He will be missed by the masses. Thank you Brett Favre. God Bless.
March 4th, 2008 at 8:36 am
I am very sad about his retirement. He has really kept me in the game. I want to thank you for all the good memories. May God Bless you and your family.
March 4th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
I feel sad that such a great player like Favre has to retire. My brother and I were pursuing fans. But I understand that he has a family and it is hard to travel all the time. He has been playing for 17 years, and has left so many memories for packer fans like us. We are all sad that he has to leave the field, but we love all the other packers out there too. We’ll miss you Brett Favre!!
March 5th, 2008 at 4:32 am
A day that everyone knew was coming but prayed it wouldn’t, the RETIREMENT of the LEGENDARY BRETT FAVRE. After the year Brett and the Packers had last year I truly thought he would stay one more year. But he has done it all for the Packers, the Fans, himself and family. CONGRATULATIONS to the one of the greatest quarterbacks to have played and given to the game. YOU WILL BE MISSED AND REMEMBERED.