Packers' Brett Favre to Retire

ESPN now reports that Brett Favre has decided to retire after an illustrious 17-year career.

Favre leaves the game of football as, unquestionably, one of the best quarterbacks of all time, assuring his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

He will surely be remembered for his nine Pro Bowl appearances, two Super Bowl appearances, and many records including touchdown passes, total passing yards, wins, and consecutive games started.

But Favre will also be remembered as a true professional—a prototypical, old-fashioned, hard-nosed football player.

After last season’s disappointing performance—when many thought he should retire—Favre came back to have a superb season this year.

The QB did seem to show his age in the NFC Championship game.  The long, gruelling season and the extremely tough weather conditions seemed finally to take their toll on the ageless Favre.  He appeared lethargic against the Giants, and this may have contributed to his decision to leave the NFL.

In this day and age, there are very few high-paid athletes willing to put their bodies through the torment Favre has each week.  Throughout his career, Favre would play injured whether his team was in a playoff game or in last place.

This superior athlete walks away from the game having accomplished just about every feat imaginable.  But, more importantly, Favre walks away having dedicated 17 years to the NFL as a true professional football player.