Goodbye, 4ever?

Rio Grande Herald Sports Writer:
Gerald Salinas

February 11, 2009 a date which will be remembered as the day the almighty Brett Favre retires from the game of football, again. Favre, via email has informed the New York Jets organization he is done for good. We all seen this episode before, Favre steps up to the media and announces his retirement. Yes, Brett Favre has flirted with retirement in his past knowingly in the back of his mind that he can, and will still play. Now under different circumstances, it's also a different story.

Brett Favre, playing his last season with the Jets, will not be returning as the Jets QB. Favre playing 18 season, (17 with the Green Bay Packers) has been nothing short of outstanding in his career. Breaking every record there is to break as a QB, even interceptions, but most impressive most consecutive starts, standing toe to toe with the best of them.

Favre, did retire last season a month later than this season. He stated last season that it was time to leave the game of football. Looking back, at the time you really didn't feel it was over, he wasn't convincing in his retirement speech, saying he can still play at a high level, and also adding he still had two years in him. So what happened? After an ugly mess with his former team the Green Bay Packers, he return back to the game, same green , different team.

Favre, didn't have his best year with the Jets. After giving the Jets an 8-3 start and whispers of Super Bowl contenders, the Jets failed to make the playoff and Favre threw for 2 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. Causing teammates to speak negative on Favre.

So was it a good move for both Favre and the Jets to play with each other? Yes absolutely, Favre being 38 when he sign now 39 was the best fit for the struggling Jets. Lets face it Chad Pennington was not gonna take the Jets anywhere, the Jets did push him to the curve for Favre but it also worked out good for Chad, he then was picked up by the Miami Dolphins where he resurrected his career. Good move so far. Next, not so much the city of New York since they already had, back then, defending Super Bowl champs New York Giants and for the fan base of the Jets, he brought back excitement to the fans that were ready to give up on the team. He brought respect to the team, and place confidences inside the locker room. And most importantly he brought satisfaction to himself. Saying he still could perform at a high level just a year ago, this season took its' toll on him. Letting him know the gas was running out.

So is this the last of Brett Favre? I believe so. As tough as he is, his age is catching up. As mention before he started off hot and slowly and surely his body to be specific his arm was giving out. Leading to believe his retirement was inevitable this off-season.

I've seen Favre compete with many of the great teams in the past in front of my television set when I was a young boy. I followed his career, and grew a fan of his style of play, his team, his boy like attitude towards the game. When Favre would throw a touchdown it was as if he threw his first touchdown ever and when he threw an interception he was motivated not to throw another one; ever. That of course not being the case, but there is no other player like Favre, yes you have your "Favre-like" players but one like him there isn't.

Sadden by this news as a football fan, I am also excited for him. He is finally at peace with the game, and will walk away with no regrets. Favre will be remembered as one of the games elite players if not the best player to ever play the game. Thanks Favre for the hope and inspiration you gave to many, thanks for the memories, you will be missed. Goodbye number 4, forever.