When Brett Favre officially retired from the NFL in 2010, he was 41 years old. After a legendary 20-season career characterized by daring risks, comeback victories, and ironman endurance, Favre decided it was time to hang up his jersey.
The longtime Green Bay Packers star capped off one of football‘s most colorful careers at age 41, leaving behind a legacy as one of the game‘s greatest and most charismatic quarterbacks.
Career By the Numbers: Favre‘s Stats and Accolades Across 20 Incredible Seasons
Throughout two decades in the league, Favre consistently amazed fans with his freestyling, gunslinging approach to the QB position. Here is a look back at some of his most notable accomplishments across his storied career:
Brett Favre – Career Statistics & Awards
| Seasons | Passing Yards | Passing TDs | Interceptions | Completion % | Passer Rating | MVPs | All-Pros | Pro Bowls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 71,838 yds | 508 TDs | 336 INTs | 62.0% | 86.0 | 3 | 6 | 11 |
By Team:
| Team | Seasons | Passing YDs | Passing TDs | Playoff Apps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Packers | 16 | 61,655 | 442 | 18 |
| Jets | 1 | 3,472 | 22 | 0 |
| Vikings | 2 | 5,720 | 44 | 2 |
| Falcons | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Favre set numerous career milestones during his time on the gridiron, including:
- Most career pass attempts (10,169)
- Most career interceptions (336)
- Most consecutive starts by a QB (321 games)
- First QB to pass for 500+ touchdowns
- First QB to pass for 70,000+ yards
- First QB to win 3 straight NFL MVP awards (1995-1997)
The Gunslinger‘s Wild, Winning Ride in Green Bay
The brash, bearded Southern boy was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the 1991 NFL Draft, but was traded to Green Bay a year later. It was in Wisconsin where Favre would build his legend over 16 unforgettable seasons.
With the Packers, Favre emerged as a cult hero known for his improvisational style, daredevil throws, and pivotal role in revitalizing a struggling franchise.
Some of his most memorable moments in green and gold included:
- Tossing a game-winning 40-yard TD pass despite a sprained left ankle to beat the Bengals in 1992
- Throwing for a career-high 442 yards during a memorable comeback win over the Cardinals in 1995
- Leading the Packers to victory in Super Bowl XXXI for their first championship in 29 years
- Setting the career TD pass record with his 421st score in 2007 against the Vikings
Win or lose, Favre always left it all on the field, cementing his legacy as one of the most entertaining and celebrated quarterbacks ever to play the game.
Playing Style and Persona: What Made Favre So Beloved
In addition to his gaudy stats and highlights, Favre‘s persona and playing style were equally important parts of his legacy in the NFL.
The quarterback‘s persona as a humble, fun-loving country boy from Mississippi made him hugely popular with fans. His Southern charm, prankster attitude, and down-to-earth demeanor humanized him in a way rarely seen among elite QBs.
On the field, Favre played with a flair and improvisational style that made him completely unique and unforgettable:
Fearless gunslinger mentality – Favre was willing to take big risks and fire passes into tight windows when necessary to make game-changing plays.
Backyard football creativity – He extended plays with his legs and made dazzling off-balance throws from impossible angles, playing with a creative flair.
Refusal to quit – Despite numerous injuries over the years, Favre‘s resilience and toughness allowed him to start an NFL-record 321 consecutive games.
When combined with his off-field popularity, Favre‘s swashbuckling style made him one of the NFL‘s first true multimedia superstar quarterbacks of the modern era.
Changing Perceptions of QBs and Leaving a Lasting Legacy
Throughout his career, Favre transformed perceptions of what an NFL quarterback could be. He helped usher in a more improvisational, guts-over-precision style of play at the position.
Stars like Aaron Rodgers, Patrick Mahomes, and Jameis Winston are among the many modern QBs who have cited Favre as an inspiration and influence on their own unorthodox styles.
Favre also forever changed the trajectory of the Green Bay Packers franchise. His arrival turned them from a strugging team into perennial contenders, setting the stage for quarterbacking stability that has lasted over 25 years.
Other major aspects of Favre‘s legacy on the game include:
- Longevity – Shattering preconceptions about an aging QB‘s capabilities by excelling into his 40s
- Passion – Playing with a childlike joy and enthusiasm that was contagious
- Toughness – Starting 321 straight games despite countless injuries
The Comebacks and Unretirements Before the Final Farewell
In the later stage of his career, Favre gained notoriety for his constant indecision about retirement. After considering hanging it up in 2002 and 2005, he tearfully announced his retirement from the Packers in March 2008.
However, later that summer Favre had second thoughts and sought to return, requesting his release from the Packers. This created a bitter divorce between player and franchise that saw him traded to the New York Jets in August 2008.
After one mediocre season with the Jets, Favre again announced his retirement in early 2009. But the itch returned again that summer, leading the Minnesota Vikings to coax Favre out of retirement a second time. The 40-year-old Favre led Minnesota to the NFC Championship game, one of his greatest late-career accomplishments.
When Favre finally retired for good in 2010 at age 41, he was secure in his decision and ready to walk away on his own terms after 20 unforgettable NFL seasons.
Life After Football: Broadcasting, Business Pursuits, and Embracing Retirement
Once his playing days were finally over, Favre embraced the opportunity to relax and take on some new pursuits in retirement. He spent more time on his property in Hattiesburg, Mississippi with his family out of the public eye.
Favre also dabbled in a few business ventures like becoming an investor in a pharmaceutical company called Prevacus aimed at treating concussions. Additionally, he made occasional appearances on NFL television broadcasts as a guest analyst.
In 2016, Favre received one of football‘s highest honors when he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The 46-year-old former QB humorously recounted his career journey during an acceptance speech that reminded people of his passion for the sport.
While he may now be in his 50s, Favre in retirement still has that same warm, lighthearted demeanor he displayed throughout his storied career as an NFL legend.
Conclusion
When Brett Favre played his last NFL game in 2010 at age 41, it concluded one of the most remarkable careers the league has ever seen. The gunslinger captivated fans for 20 seasons with his unbridled passion, daring play, and Southern charm.
Throughout his journey, Favre amassed countless records, awards, and memories to fill a football lifetime. Yet his lasting legacy stretches beyond just the numbers. With his carefree attitude and swashbuckling style, Favre forever changed perceptions of what an NFL quarterback could be.
Although his actual retirement decision took some indecisive turns near the end, Favre ultimately went out on his own terms after achieving all he could in the game he loved. The Packers legend left the NFL just as he played in it – boldly following his heart without limitations or regrets until the very final snap.
