New York Jets management have paid tribute to retiring quarterback Brett Favre, after he ended his 18-year NFL career.
Jets officials pay tribute to quarterback after retirement announcement
New York Jets management have paid tribute to retiring quarterback Brett Favre, after he ended his 18-year NFL career.
Favre still had two years left on the Jets deal he signed after being traded by the Green Bay Packers following an acrimonious split last year.
The 39-year-old retired 11 months ago but changed his mind, and what followed was a bitter departure after 16 years in Green Bay.
Three-time NFL MVP Favre could not last out the season last year, and his late loss of form and injury saw the Jets miss out on a play-off spot on the final day of the season.
However, owner Woody Johnson and general manager Mike Tannenbaum both heaped praise on Favre's performances after his high-profile move.
Praise
"I had a great conversation with Brett this morning," Johnson said on Wednesday.
"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 organisation, 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, Deanna and his family will always be a part of the Jets family.
"We created a great opportunity, which he took advantage of here. He knows what the New York Jets are all about. He also knows what his own limitations are better than anybody.
"We thought this was the best chance we had to do better, to improve the team. For the first 11 games, it looked pretty good."
Favre does leave a parting gift for the Jets in taking his expected $13 million salary for next season off their cap, where they are struggling at present.
"When we acquired Brett, we knew we would get everything he had," Tannenbaum said.
Mentor
"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 honour to work with him."
New coach Rex Ryan was thought to be keen to keep Favre but the way 2008 ended proved that it was a step to far for the veteran.
"It was an honour to coach against Brett over the years," said Ryan. "If he's not the best quarterback ever, then he's certainly in the conversation.
"I have great admiration for him as a player and a person. I wish him only the best in his life after football."
Super Bowl winner Favre ends his career with almost every quarterback record in the book, with him leading the lists in touchdown passes (464), completions (5,720), yards passing (65,127) and regular-season victories (169) along with his superb run of 291 consecutive starts despite some serious injuries.
