Brett Favre To Retire, Really He Is

[HT/AP]

Brett Favre's agent says the New York Jets quarterback will retire.

The 39-year-old Favre instructed agent James "Bus" Cook to tell the team Wednesday that he won't return for a 19th NFL season -- and second with the Jets.

In an e-mail to the 4 letter word, Favre says he has no regrets about ending his career in New York and praises the team's owner, front office and fired coach Eric Mangini.

"Mike and Woody, as well as the entire organization, have been nothing short of outstanding," Favre said in the e-mail. "My teammates -- Thomas (Jones) and Kerry (Rhodes) included -- were a pleasure to play with. Eric could not have been any better. I enjoyed playing for him. My time with the Jets was short, but I'm honored to be given that chance."

Favre wrote he enjoyed his time with the Jets, despite a late-season slump that saw New York go from 8-3 to missing the playoffs. Favre threw nine interceptions as the Jets went 1-4 down the stretch, and a torn right biceps might have contributed.

"I had a great conversation with Brett this morning," Jets Owner Woody Johnson said in a statement. "Considering that he came from a totally different environment and joined our team during training camp, his performance last season was extraordinary. As I spoke with people throughout the organization, they all told me how much they enjoyed working with him. Brett Favre is a Hall-of-Fame player, but he is also a Hall-of-Fame person. Brett, (wife) Deanna and his family will always be a part of the Jets family."

"When we acquired Brett, we knew we would get everything he had," Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum said. "He took the time to mentor younger players and his competitiveness and enthusiasm at practice and during games was contagious. I spoke with him this morning and told him that he will be a friend of the Jets for years to come and it was an honor to work with him."

Gee, you think the Jets are going to retire #4 in his honor.

If this is indeed it for Favre, he leaves the game with a slew of records, including career touchdown passes (464), completions (5,720), yards passing (65,127), regular-season victories (169) and interceptions (310).

The three-time NFL MVP also holds the mark among quarterbacks with 291 consecutive starts, including the playoffs, despite playing through several injuries throughout his career.

We here at OSG HQ has grown tiresome of Favre's twisted game of wolf. Great, we're glad this time you have made up your mind. I'm sure a year in New York, especially playing for the Jets, makes you want the peace and quiet of deer hunting and ATV riding in Mississippi. I'm sure by the time camps open in July the media, especially the 4-letter, will cast a wondering eye to you Brett Favre to see if that itch comes back.

If it does the United Football League starts in October and they will only play a few games. You might find that to your liking.

By the way Jet fans, get your #4 jerseys while they last. I think they will be 50% off starting today.

Here's SI.com's Peter King's take on Brett Favre’s retirement decision.

Gary Myers of the New York Daily News writes Favre has gone from savior to failure in his one year as “Broadway Brett.


Photo Courtesy: Al Bello/Getty Images