On February 12, 2008, ESPN reported that New York Jets quarterback Brett Favre plans to retire.
Brett Favre, Quarterback of Atlanta Falcons
Brett Favre was drafted in the 2nd round (33rd overall) in 1991 by the Atlanta Falcons. While in Atlanta, he was regarded very poorly by then head coach Jerry Glanville, who failed to see Favre’s potential. Favre’s first pass resulted in an interception returned for a touchdown and he never completed a pass with the Falcons.
Brett Favre, Quarterback of Green Bay Packers
While in Green Bay, Favre became known as an “Iron Man”, as he started every game from September 20, 1992, until his first “retirement” following the 2007 season.
His first game played in a Packers uniform was not as the starting quarterback. When Mike Holmgren benched a struggling Don Majkowski during a Week 2 matchup again the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Favre received his first opportunity to shine at Lambeau Field, but came up short.
Favre’s time in Green Bay brought him his most meaningful accomplishments. While there, he led the Packers to seven division titles, two NFC Championships, and one Superbowl victory (over the New England Patriots in Superbowl XXXI).
Following an NFC Championship game that took the Packers and the Giants into overtime, the Packers front office decided that Favre should be benched in favor of Aaron Rodgers.
With one year left on his contract, Favre wanted to start or be traded, which he was denied, and which led to his first retirement.
Rumors about Favre’s return kicked up during the preseason, which led some to believe that Favre would start for Green Bay over Aaron Rodgers after all. Other rumors included trades to the Bears and the Vikings.
Brett Favre, Traded to New York Jets
Favre was finally traded to the New York Jets. Unlike the Bears and the Vikings, the Jets are not divisional opponents to Green Bay, and are not in the same conference. A trade to the Jets meant keeping Favre happy, while ensuring that an appearance at Lambeau field is very unlikely (once every eight years under the NFL’s current scheduling structure).
While under the tutelage of Eric Mangini, Favre threw six touchdown passes against the Arizona Cardinals (a career high). The Jets also chalked up a win over the previously undefeated Tennessee Titans.
While the Jets remained in the playoff race until week 17, the berth that they vied for was taken by the Miami Dolphins.
Will Brett Favre Really Retire?
Like coaches, players do come in and out of retirement with some regularity, which makes ‘retirement’ a fairly loose word. Kurt Warner is another quarterback with an uncertain future, but who might follow Favre’s way. Even if Favre stays away from the game for a season or two, a return similar to that of Vinny Testaverde and Doug Flutie is still very possible.
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