Brett Favre Walks Away

Brett Favre, one of the top quarterbacks I'll ever see play, has decided to retire from the NFL.

I was surprised to see the breaking news blurb on ESPN.com this morning announcing Favre's decision. He had a great year last year and led his team to the NFC Championship. He played like mid-90s Favre and seemed to enjoy playing with all the young guys on the Packers.

Favre threw for 4,155 yards and 28 TDs in what will be his last NFL season. He's been hinting at retirement for the past few years, but it'll will still be weird watching the Packers play without #4 behind center. This is like Michael Jordan calling it quits. Favre is the biggest name in the game today, despite the presence of Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. He's had a great career, including a Superbowl victory, and left his imprint on the game forever.

I'll definately miss watching the gunslinger, and there will never be another Brett Favre. He played hurt, took chances and thoroughly enjoyed playing the game. He appreciated the opportunity he was given and stayed loyal to the Packers ever since he suited up for the cheeseheads.

I've gotten the privilege to watch some great QBs in the past -- Montana, Elway, Marino, Aikman, Young -- but watching Favre on television playing at Lambeau field was something special. Favre is the last QB of that era (the era when I got into pro football) to call it quits. Now the NFL is in the hands of the Mannings, Brady, Roethlisberger, Romo, etc. Kids will grow up watching those guys play and hear about legends like Brett Favre, and how he played the game. Too bad they won't get to watch him play for a few more years.

Enjoy the rest of your life Brett and thanks for all the memories.