Brett Favre is finally retiring from the NFL, we think.

After a season in Atlanta, sixteen in Green Bay, one with the New York Jets and two in Minnesota, the Vikings quarterback has decided to call it quits after an injury forced him to miss time toward the end of the 2010-2011 season.

For most of us, Favre’s retirement is a welcome sign after we waffled over whether or not he would return following each of the past three seasons. Granted, the story wouldn’t be on our minds as much if not for the sports media, but Favre didn’t do us any favors.

Known as a Gunslinger who “played like a kid out there,” Favre will retire as one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in NFL history. He leaves the game as the career leader in passing touchdowns, interceptions, completions, attempts, passing yards and games started at quarterback. His never-to-be-broken record of 297 consecutive games at quarterback equates to over 18 seasons without missing a start. Favre also owns a career playoff record of 13-11 and has a ring from his one Super Bowl win.

Favre drew the ire of many fans following his initial un-retirement when he came back to play for the Jets. He lost most of his Packer fans when he once again unretired to become a member of the rival Minnesota Vikings.

Favre had other off the field issues this past season when he was accused of sending inappropriate text messages to Jenn Sterger while he was a member of the Jets.

When asked who he thought would win the Super Bowl this year, Favre replied:

“I think [The Green Bay Packers] will win it all! I hope they do.”

While he may have lost the Packers fan base, Favre seems to still have a lot of Packer in him as he complimented Aaron Rodgers, the Packers receiving corps and defense when giving his prediction.

It’s truly the end of an era in the NFL now that Brett Favre is no longer starting for somebody. Love him or hate him, he is one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in the history of the league and will be seen in Canton in the not too distant future.

And BTW, Favre also officially submitted his retirement papers to the league after his one season with the Jets before reneging on that and returning to play a few more seasons. That said, stay tuned for any potential Favre roller-coaster ride during the offseason.

Used with permission of the author.

Along with contributing to Sports Climax, Brett Kettyle is the Atlanta Braves Community Leader on Bleacher Report and maintains a Braves column for MTR Media. Follow Brett on Twitter.

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