Remembering a Legend.

Year after year, off-season after off-season Packer nation wondered if ‘this’ year would be the year for Hall of Fame bound quarterback Brett Favre to hang up his cleats. Despite the odds, outside all of the personal anguish and peril that Favre was suffering through the loss of his father, brother-in-law and his wife’s battle with breast cancer – Brett came back through it all and shined brighter than ever before. It saddens me to say that Packers fans will no longer have to wonder, because after seventeen sensational years in the National Football League, Favre – the greatest to ever play the game has decided to call it quits.

In a voicemail message with ESPN’s Chris Mortenson, Favre had said he’s still physically able to play the game he loves, but the strength is no longer there mentally. Understandable, coming from a man who has battled almost anything imaginable inside and outside of Lambeau Field, yet persevered through it all.

Favre’s accomplishments as a quarterback in the NFL are unparalleled. A member of the 1990’s all decades team, a 9 time Pro-Bowler, a 7 time All-Pro, 3 time NFL MVP and a Super Bowl Champion. Folks, and that’s just touching the tip of the iceberg. Need it be mentioned 253 consecutive NFL starts? How about 160 wins, the most ever by any quarterback to ever play the game? How about the most touchdown passes? How about the most career passing yards? Let’s not forget the most completions in NFL history, and the most games with more than 3 touchdown passes thrown. Last but not least, Favre is only second to John Elway for the most comeback fourth quarter wins in NFL history.

As it can be clearly seen, Brett left the NFL on top – he left it at his best. A favorite quote from a movie called the Sandlot would be apt here in reference to Favre’s illustrious career, “Less than a God, but more than a man.” While the Packers lost to the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants in this years NFC Championship game, they have nothing to be disappointed in. It’s not going to be easy for Packers fans to take this news, and it never was going to be easy. Brett Favre won’t be playing in Lambeau Field on Sunday’s anymore, but his actions on the field will always be cemented in the minds of those who watched him play his brilliant 17 year career. Running the length of the field to congratulate a fellow teammate after a touchdown grab or run. Jumping into the crowd and sharing a moment of joy with fans who loved him. Playing the role of a field general in some of the harshest weathered games and leading his team to win after win. Let us not forget the many times he carried a receiver on his back in celebration of a winning score.

These are the moments that will live forever in the hearts of not only Packers fans, but fans of the NFL who appreciate Brett Favre for the man he was not only on the field, but off the field. Even the most bitter of rivals can attest to this man’s character and honor him for his worldly accomplishments. Today isn’t a day of mourning in the NFL, it’s a day of celebration. It’s a day to celebrate the career and accomplishments of the greatest quarterback to play the game. Not Joe Montana or Dan Marino. Not Unitas or Elway. Not Manning or Brady.

No my friends, today is the day we honor the best; and his name is Brett Favre.