Favre Going Out The Right Way

The same cannot be said for two other amazing athletes of his era.

Barry Bonds is arguably, based on statistics, the greatest baseball player ever. Supporters of Roger Clemens can easily make the claim that he is among the 10 best pitchers who’ve ever taken to the mounds in the Major League. Sadly though, both are buried in drugs allegations that have dampened their Hall of Fame prospects severely.

Favre on the other hand will fly into the National Football League Hall of Fame when he becomes eligible five years down the road…if he does not decide to give it a "go" just one more time.

In this age of the tainted athlete, Favre has emerged as one of the most refreshing and beloved sports performer. His rugged style, his daring approach from the quarterback position, his talents on the field and his longevity, have endeared him to fans in every NFL city.

They love to beat the Green Bay Packers.

Some love to hate the Packers.

But, they all appreciate that when Brett Favre comes to town, there will be excitement and good football.

At 38, after 17 seasons in the NFL, the man who owns some very high profile records on Tuesday sent a voice-mail to Chris Mortensen of ESPN "I’m just tired mentally. I’m just tired." But, he said something else.

"I know I can still play," began the voice-mail.

He may well come out of retirement for one more and maybe two more seasons.

For now though, he is riding into the sunset.

His 5,377 completions, 442 touchdowns, 16,655 passing yards, 253 consecutive regular season starts for a quarterback and 275 including the playoffs, are all records. An awesome 2007 made him the most prolific passer in the game.

But there was much more to Favre. As a teammate he was a delight to play with. As a field leader, there was none better. He had a strong passion for the game and good feelings for his fellowmen.

Brett Favre was unassuming.

He was just very good, one who earned full respect for his play and his character.

Indeed, he is a poster boy for the "good athlete" in a time when many of his peers have fallen victim of bad habits.

I salute Brett Favre.

He was one of a kind.