Breaking: Brett Favre is retiring

Fox Sports reports:

The most storied quarterback career in NFL history is coming to a close.

FOXSports.com has learned that legendary quarterback Brett Favre has decided to retire. In fact, it’s believed he informed the Packers of his decision within the last few days, although it’s unclear when Favre and the team will make his decision known.

So barring an unforeseen last-minute change of heart, Favre will leave the game after 17 years, during which he built himself into a household name and a figure synonymous with grit, toughness and perseverance.

Neither GM Ted Thompson nor head coach Mike McCarthy returned several calls left by FOXSports.com for confirmation.

After flirting with retirement for the last few years, Favre will finally go out on the heels of one of the best seasons of his career.

He led the Packers to the NFC Championship Game after passing for a stunning 4,155 yards, looking very much at times like a younger version of himself. In addition he threw 28 TDs — including an overtime Hail Mary pass to beat Denver in front of a national audience — and had a 95.7 quarterback rating. He was also voted into the Pro Bowl following the 2007 season but declined to go.

Favre leaves the game as the all-time record holder in several categories including wins, passing yards, touchdowns and consecutive games started. A three-time MVP, The southern swashbuckler won fans over with his carefree style that epitomized the “gunslinger” moniker and made fans out of everyone from the guy next door to those already enshrined in Canton.

I’m sure his official announcement will be very emotional. Heck, I might even shed a tear or two, and I wasn’t even a big fan of the Pack. But I know a great QB when I see one, and Favre was and is unquestionably one of the best.

Hat tip: Lifetime GB fan PCD