Remembering Brett Favre: His Top Five Historic Hits

Man, why now?

Although he had nothing more to prove in his Hall of Fame career, the stunning news of him walking away from the game of football was as stunning as Michael Jordan leaving the game of basketball.

Since 1992, we have grown accustomed to seeing Brett on the field in a Packers uniform each week.

You don't want it to end, but you knew it had to one day.

While some may remember the exact moment Brett was drafted, I was nothing but a six-year-old boy.

From there, the rest was history.

Favre has had many epic games.  In fact, there are too many to remember.

Only true fans of the game remember Favre's greatest moments as if they occured last week.

It's hard to narrow a 17-year career full of great moments to a particular number.

Where and when did Brett's greatest moments occur?

The list below say it all.

December 22, 2003: Playing With a Heavy Heart

This night wasn't just one of Favre's greatest moments; it was also a historic moment for the NFL and Monday Night Football. 

One day after his father died of a heart attack, Favre elected to take the field because he felt that's what his father would want him to do.

Entering this game with a heavy heart, little did we know Favre come out and torch the Oakland Raiders the way he did.

Favre's four touchdowns all came in the first half, and finished the game with 399 passing yards.

This night also set a milestone, as Favre moved into second place for career touchdown passes. 

As easy as he made it look, there is no way any player other than Favre could put on that type of performance after losing one of the closest figures in their life.

September 20, 1992: A Legend is Born 

1992 was Brett Favre's second year in the NFL, but his first in Green Bay.

While he didn't start the game, Favre had to step in for an injured Don Majkowski and threw the first touchdown pass of his career.

The toss was a 35 yarder in the last minute to secure a 24-23 victory over the Cinncinnati Bengals.

September 30, 2007: Move Aside, Marino

One of the most historic records a quarterback can achieve was set by Favre, when he passed Dan Marino for career TD passes.

While he was closing in on the record for all-time career interceptions, he finished this game with none.

Brett went 32-45 and threw for 344 yards and two touchdowns.

November 6, 2000: MNF Classic 

Another Monday Night Football classic happened on this night, as the Packers defeated the Minnesota Vikings in overtime.

Favre made an impressive pass to Antonio Freeman while Freeman was on his back.   Freeman then got up ran into the end zone for a 43-yard, game-winning touchdown.

The Packers defeated the Vikings 26-20.

1997: The Threepeat

Brett Favre made history in 1997 when he became the only player in league history to win three MVP awards.

Not only did he win MVP in 1997, but he also won the award in 1996 and 1995.

Athough Favre won the award, he had to share the honors with Detorit running back Barry Sanders.

And to top off his near perfect season, Favre and Packers won the NFC, but lost in Super Bowl XXXII to John Elway and the Denver Broncos.

It's almost impossible to narrow down Favre's career to just five special moments, but these five will always hold a special place in my thoughts. 

Farewell, Brett.  Thanks for the memories. 

Michael Whittenberg is a senior writer for BleacherReport.com