Brett Favre Offically Retires

ESPN is reporting that Brett Favre sent an e-mail to Ed Werder indicating that he will soon inform the New York Jets that he is retiring from professional football after 17 years. While there are sure to be questions throughout the entire offseason about whether this is finally it, Favre seems to be, once again, convinced that he has played his last game.

Brett Favre Photos

** FILE ** This is a Nov. 2, 2008 file photo showing New York Jets' Brett Favre during the first half of the NFL football game at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y. Favre's agent says the New York Jets quarterback will retire. The 39-year-old Favre instructed agent James "Bus" Cook to tell the team Wednesday Feb. 11, 2009 that he won't return for a 19th NFL season _ and second with the Jets.(AP Photo/Dean Duprey)

** FILE ** This Oct. 26, 2008 file photo shows New York Jets quarterback Brett Favre throwing against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first quarter of an NFL football game in East Rutherford, N.J. Favre's agent says the New York Jets quarterback will retire. The 39-year-old Favre instructed agent James "Bus" Cook to tell the team Wednesday Feb. 11, 2009 that he won't return for a 19th NFL season _ and second with the Jets. (AP Photo/Tim Larsen, File)

** FILE ** This Dec. 21, 2008 file photo shows New York Jets quarterback Brett Favre walking along the sideline in the first half against the Seahawks in an NFL football game in Seattle. The Seahawks won 13-3. Favre's agent says the New York Jets quarterback will retire. The 39-year-old Favre instructed agent James "Bus" Cook to tell the team Wednesday Feb. 11, 2009 that he won't return for a 19th NFL season _ and second with the Jets. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)

** FILE ** In this Nov. 2, 2008 file photo, New York Jets quarterback Brett Favre looks on after an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y. Favre's agent says the New York Jets quarterback will retire. The 39-year-old Favre instructed agent James "Bus" Cook to tell the team Wednesday Feb. 11, 2009that he won't return for a 19th NFL season _ and second with the Jets.(AP Photo/Don Heupel, File)

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 28: Linebacker Channing Crowder #52 of the Miami Dolphins pressures quarterback Brett Favre #4 of the New York Jets on December 28, 2008 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Dolphins defeated the Jets 24-17. (Photo by David Drapkin/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Brett Favre;Channing Crowder

Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 28: Quarterback Brett Favre #4 of the New York Jets tries to stop defensive end Phillip Merling #97 of the Miami Dolphins from scoring a touchdown on December 28, 2008 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Merling just intercepted a Favre pass. The Dolphins defeated the Jets 24-17. (Photo by David Drapkin/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Phillip Merling;Brett Favre

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 28: Quarterback Brett Favre #4 of the New York Jets throws the football against the Miami Dolphins on December 28, 2008 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Dolphins defeated the Jets 24-17. (Photo by David Drapkin/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Brett Favre

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 28: Brett Favre #4 of The New York Jets calls a huddle against The Miami Dolphins during their game on December 28, 2008 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Brett Favre

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 28: Brett Favre #4 of The New York Jets leaves the field after losing to The Miami Dolphins 24-17 after their game on December 28, 2008 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Brett Favre

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 28: Brett Favre #4 of The New York Jetspasses the ball against The Miami Dolphins during their game on December 28, 2008 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Brett Favre

Getty Images

Favre's agent, per his request, informed the Jets of his client's decision. Favre expressed no regrets about finishing with a team other than the Green Bay Packers. He praised the Jets' general manager, Mike Tannenbaum, and owner, Woody Johnson.

"Mike and Woody, as well as the entire organization, have been nothing short of outstanding,'' Favre said in the email. "My teammates -- Thomas and Kerry included -- were a pleasure to play with. Eric (Mangini) could not have been any better. I enjoyed playing for him. My time with the Jets was short, but I'm honored to be given that chance.''

"Thomas and Kerry" in the above paragraph would be Thomas Jones and Kerry Rhodes, both of whom were quite harsh with Favre for his mistakes later in the season. It probably wasn't the way Favre wanted to go out, considering the Jets lost four of their last five games -- blowing a playoff spot in the process.

There are sure to be many debates in the next few days as to Favre's eventual landing spot among the best quarterbacks of all-time. Some will say he's overrated, and some will say he's one of the best ever. Regardless, he'll be bronzed as a Hall of Famer in Canton the first chance he gets. To that, not even a Bears fan could argue.

UPDATE: The Jets have confirmed the retirement, a move that frees up $13 million in cap space. Favre held a press conference on Wednesday to officially announce the decision.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 19)

2-11-2009 @ 9:45AM

ManChildX73 said...

Finally. Good riddance and all that.

2-11-2009 @ 1:04PM

PAIN IN THE ASS said...

At least the second part of the name you use is correct.

2-11-2009 @ 1:17PM

Hey, I was agreeing with stuff you said in posts further down, why you gotta do that?

And honestly, with the level these boards are at already, what does it matter? We're all just posting on a message board anyway, so who cares? Don't take it too seriously.

2-11-2009 @ 1:27PM

bobther said...

AMEN to that!!! To me, he always has been highly overrated.

2-11-2009 @ 2:56PM

George said...

I agree...Good Riddance. Maybe we won't have to see that terrible replay of him crying his eyes out like a little girl like last year. Go home to Lousianna, you belong there Brett.

2-11-2009 @ 4:19PM

rrumpot said...

Manchild I think your name says it all

2-11-2009 @ 7:29PM

Missy said...

no...YOU ARE an idiot...

2-11-2009 @ 7:48PM

wildwest49w said...

NICE NAME, ARE YOU A MEMBER OF NAMBLA?

2-11-2009 @ 10:31AM

Grer The Sarcastic Bastard said...

I have June 20th in the "I wanna come back" pool.

2-11-2009 @ 2:16PM

Andrew said...

That would leave the Jets too much time, I say he waits until late July, right before preseason starts, like he did last year.

2-11-2009 @ 10:32AM

Bob said...

I'll believe it when the next season begins and he's not there, and even then I wouldn't rule out a mid-season comeback, once he gets a taste of being on the outside while others play.

2-11-2009 @ 10:44AM

jimmy said...

more attention grabbing by favre. why email werder to announce that you will soon announce to the jets that you're retiring?

2-11-2009 @ 2:31PM

arwwhoru said...

He's probably an ESPN fan and wanted them to have the story first!An avoid any news leaks sort of thing!

2-11-2009 @ 10:50AM

Chris Heydari said...

Is this an opportunity to for Mike Vick to become a Jet? The Jets need a QB now

2-11-2009 @ 11:20AM

corbettdesigns said...

Mike vick will never be a jet, hopefully he doesn't get out of jail for a long long time

2-11-2009 @ 1:56PM

jimmyrcole said...

Mike Vick sux. If he plays again in the NFL i will never watch a game anymore. What a crock of crap.

2-11-2009 @ 4:56PM

Joeygiam said...

Maybe Mick Vic & that A-Hole OJ can start their own Team in jail. Call they The Jail Bird Losers.

The two of them can go win the Gay Bowl.

2-11-2009 @ 10:53AM

nyintell said...

A player is judged by the numbers that he has put on the board during his career. Brett Favre has put up some of the best numbers for his position in NFL HISTORY. He deserves all of our respect ( I am not a GB fan) and he deserves to be in Canton!

2-11-2009 @ 12:19PM

And the most interceptions in hostory.

2-11-2009 @ 4:32PM

tkdoubleeagle said...

Even I, a devout Bears fan of 50 years, will easily give Brett is due pat on the back for a great career and hate him only for being a royal pain in the bleep. However, I will add this; over the last 5 years or so he has thrown as many passes to the other team as he has to his own guys. He'd rather throw the INT than take a sack and it cost them in the end results. And I smile for that. lmao