Brett Favre Retires: Vikings QB Officially Files Retirement Papers with the NFL

Brett Favre has retired and un-retired to the media numerous times during his career.

The Minnesota Vikings quarterback has cried at press conferences for three different teams, only to resurface again. He's been medically unable to play, then cleared. He's been tracked down in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, by both media and teammates.

Brett Favre retiring is nothing new; it has become part of the offseason ritual within the NFL.

This time, it looks official.

Fox Sports analysts Jay Glazer and Alex Marvez are both reporting that Favre has officially filed retirement papers to the NFL, a big step toward No. 4 being done for good.

It shouldn't come as much of a surprise. By all accounts, Favre wasn't too keen on playing in 2010, let alone 2011. It took a fantastical amount of money and a clandestine recruitment trip by the Minnesota Vikings to pry him off of his couch.

Favre responded with lackluster play throughout the season and it became apparent to fans and teammates that Favre's body wasn't able to do the job anymore—something Favre seemingly knew for months.

However, it must be noted that Favre has filed these papers before. In 2009, Favre retired from the New York Jets only to be reinstated later that season to play for the Minnesota Vikings. The possibility still exists for the 41-year-old quarterback to make yet another comeback.

It just won't be for the Vikings. Head coach Leslie Frazier has already made it known that the Vikings will be drastically different in the next NFL season and he has no desire to pursue Favre like Brad Childress had on multiple occasions. 

If Favre does think about returning, he will need to weigh his health, family and desire to play like he has so many times before. This time, the added weight of media scrutiny following allegations of misconduct will make leaving the spotlight that much more enticing.

For now, it looks as if Brett Favre's career is over, for good.