RECORD-BREAKING FAVRE RETIRES
NFL legend Brett Favre has retired from the sport after 17 record-breaking seasons in the National Football League.
The Green Bay Packers quarter-back will hang up his cleats after writing his name in the NFL history books in a season which almost saw Green Bay reach the Super Bowl for the first time since 1997.
The 38-year-old holds an incredible nine individual records in the NFL, which includes the records for the all-time leader in passing yards (61,655), touchdown passes (442) and career wins by a starting quarter back (160).
Favre, who spent 16 of his 17 seasons as a pro footballer with Green Bay, was thought to be considering another season in the NFL as he sought a second Super Bowl winners ring after the crushing disappointment of last season.
The Packers were one of the surprise packages for much of 2007-2008, with the dark horses reaching the NFC Championship game against all the odds before a heart-breaking over-time defeat to eventual champions New York Giants at Lambeau Field.
After one of his best seasons ever in 2007, he was voted to his ninth Pro Bowl but pulled out of the February game for unspecified reasons.
Packers general manager Ted Thompson paid tribute to the all-time great.
"The Packers owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude. He has given Packers fans 16 years of wonderful memories, a Super Bowl championship among them, that will live on forever. Brett's many accomplishments on the field are legendary. He leaves the game holding virtually every career passing record, plus his consecutive starts streak, which may never be duplicated.
"The uniqueness of Brett Favre - his personality, charisma and love of the game - undoubtedly will leave him as one of the enduring figures in NFL history."
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