The Kill Floor

According to the AP via MSNBC.com:

GREEN BAY, Wis. - Brett Favre made it clear Thursday that he’s finished with football. Emotional Greenbay Packer says he’ll never play again.

“I know I can play but I don’t think I want to,” a teary Favre said in a news conference at Lambeau Field two days after he announced his retirement. “It’s been a great career for me, but it’s over.” “As they say, all good things must come to an end. I look forward to whatever the future may hold for me.”

With that, Favre walked away from a 17-year NFL career, taking with him a Super Bowl victory, virtually every quarterback record worth having and the widespread admiration of his peers and fans.

The 38-year-old Favre also leaves with graying hair and a deliberate gait — signs that the years were quietly taking a toll on the man who was celebrated for playing a serious and precise game with the carefree joy of a little boy.

He cried Thursday morning as he discussed his decision.

“I promised I wouldn’t get emotional,” he said. But as the tears flowed, he added, “I’ve watched hundreds of players retire and you wonder what that would be like. You think you’re prepared …” Favre thanked the Packers for letting him play. “I hope that with every penny they’ve spent on me, they know it was money well spent,” he said. “It wasn’t about the money or fame or records. I hear people talk about your accomplishments and things. It was never my accomplishments, it was our accomplishments.”

Favre is the NFL’s only three-time MVP, and leads the league with 442 touchdown passes, 61,655 yards passing and 160 career victories. He started 253 consecutive regular-season games, more than any other quarterback in history. Favre also holds the more dubious mark of 288 interceptions — an indication of the wild streak that only made him more human to the fans who adored him.

I have already gone through four boxes of tissues since I heard the news yesterday. I am happy that Brett is retiring but sad that I won’t have the chance to see him play with the Packers again. I love the Green Bay Packers only because their fans are crazy fucks and of course, the serious dedication to all things green and gold. I have been to Wisconsin several times but only once to Green Bay and saw Lambeau Field up close and personal. It was awe inspiring to say the least - all the bars that surround the stadium, I mean. Now I am ready for a keg stand, thanks Brett!