Brett Favre Retires from Minnesota Vikings, Leaves Door Open for Packers

Word has just leaked that Brett Favre has decided to retire from the NFL, leaving the Minnesota Vikings scrambling to fill their QB hole, as reported by the Minneapolis Star-Tribune and Fox Sports.

Most of the media will celebrate Favre, as they should.

But after all that dust settles, Favre's retirement will have a huge impact on the NFL, specifically the NFC North race.

He may have been an old man, but Favre led the Vikings to the NFC Championship last season. So, his void will greatly affect the playoff picture.

Ironically, his retirement may help his old team, the Green Bay Packers, more than anyone else.

The Packers have been on the verge of breaking through as of late, as Favre’s replacement, Aaron Rodgers, has come into his own as an elite NFL quarterback.

The defense has also grown a lot lately, led by last year’s Defensive Player of the Year, Charles Woodson.

But perhaps the biggest roadblock to the Packers’ success was none other than Green Bay’s former hero, Favre.

Favre out-dueled Rodgers three times last season, so it didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that ESPN would milk this storyline for all it was worth.

Alas, this might be the last we hear of Favre.

A few years ago, Packers fans were deathly afraid of that statement.

Now, they couldn’t be happier.

The Packers may have been ready to take the next step this year either way.

But without Favre in the way, that seems much more likely now.

Packers' fans will surely celebrate Favre’s career in the coming days, at least the ones who didn’t completely lose faith in their former hero when he wanted out of town.

But soon, they will be jumping for joy.

The door is now open in the NFC North, and it’s Green Bay’s for the taking.

Without Favre holding the reins, the Vikings may struggle a little bit this season. Do you really think Sage Rosenfels or Tarvaris Jackson will lead the Vikings back to the division crown? Didn't think so.

The Vikings still have the talent to make the playoffs, but more than anything, Favre’s retirement means the Packers should run away with the NFC North title.