Dear Green Bay Packers,
After a long, illustrious career with one of the most storied franchises in NFL history, I've decided that now is the time to hang up the cleats.
I’m 38 years old, a three-time MVP winner, and the career league leader in yards passing, touchdowns and victories, including a triumph over the Patriots in Super Bowl XXXI. There’s really nothing left for me to accomplish, and so, (chin is trembling) on the heels of a successful 2007 campaign, I feel now is the time to leave on a high note, ride off into the sunset and possibly open up a car dealership in my hometown of Kiln, Mississippi. Thank you for allowing me to serve the Packers organization and its fans (what is this salty liquid stinging my eyes?) for the past 16 seasons. Rest assured that my retirement will not in any way affect my close relationship with the team or city I’ve grown to love and which has shown so much love and loyalty in return. Whenever you need me, (oh, geez, I'm bawling like a baby) I will always be available for promotional appearances, scouting advice and the obligatory honorary coin toss.
Ever your humble quarterback,
Brett Favre, Packer for life
This article appears in Jul 16-22, 2008.