Brett Favre
Now that the Minnesota Vikings’ 2010 season is a wrap, so is Brett Favre’s illustrious career.
After the team’s tenth loss of the season — 20-13 to the Detroit Lions — a teary-eyed Favre met with the media and announced his retirement. Though we’ve all been down this road before with him, he sounded like he’s genuinely stepping away from the gridiron.
“It’s time. I know it’s time.”
Favre, who said he has “no regrets” this time, thanked the league, the team and its fans.
“I’m done. It’s never easy for any player. Great group of guys. Didn’t workout this year but great group of guys.”
If this holds true, the 41-year old Favre ends his playing career with several NFL records on his resume — he is the all-time leader in passing yards, completions, and passing touchdowns. This season, Favre threw for 2,509 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 19 interceptions in 13 games.
Unlike previous years, this news was to be expected. After all, it took a trio of Vikings players to convince Favre to return for his 20th season when he seemed like he was content in Mississippi. His play this year was nowhere near what it was in 2009, which was the best statistical season of his storied career. The team just never looked like a Superbowl contender and the wheels totally came off.
There’s no doubt Favre is will be in the Hall of Fame when his name comes up in a couple of years. What’s disappointing is that his legacy was tainted following the Jenn Sterger saga. Some will remember him more for sending nude pictures of himself or holding his team’s hostage with his decision making, rather than tossing touchdowns and winning games.
Despite his off-the-field issues, the game is about to lose a legend and it will be weird not to see #4 under center in 2011 and beyond.
