Before the Minnesota Vikings entered his life, the future was looking bright for newly-acquired Brett Favre and the New York Jets in 2008. By Week 12, the club had compiled an impressive 8-3 record and was poised to make a return to postseason play.
In the next five games though, Favre would find himself in an unfamiliar funk, throwing eight interceptions compared to only two touchdowns as the Jets posted a 1-5 record and missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season.
Favre underwent MRI shortly after the 2008 campaign ended as he was experiencing discomfort in his right shoulder that might have caused his subpar play in the Jets’ final five games. Results later revealed that Favre had a torn biceps tendon.
By January 2009, reports have surfaced that Favre told general manager Mike Tannenbaum that “it may be time to look in a different direction” regarding the Jets’ quarterback situation. In February, Favre made headlines by announcing his intent to retire from the game for the second time in his career. The Jets officially cut him from their active roster in May 2009, opening the door for Favre to sign with any team he wants.
His second retirement lasted for three months and after some speculation, Favre ended up signing with longtime NFC North rival Minnesota Vikings on a two-year, $25M contract.
“I don't know how I'll feel a year from now, five years from now, but I didn't want to say what if,” said Favre in his introductory press conference back in August 2009. “I felt I did everything I possibly could do to get where I need to be. You're 39, your arm may not feel like it did at 21. But the pieces are in place that you don't have to do that much and I agree with that. If they were willing to take that chance, I was, too.”
Favre experienced renewed success in his first year with the Vikings by shattering personal and league records, including being the first quarterback in NFL history to beat all 32 teams. Favre’s stellar play continued well into the NFC Championship Game, but the Vikings lost in overtime against the eventual Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints.
Injuries were mounting and severely took its toll on Favre and the Vikings in 2010. His streak of 297 consecutive regular-season starts came to a screeching halt in Week 14 against the New York Giants due to a sprained shoulder. Favre’s last playing appearance came one week later due to a concussion when he was sacked by Chicago Bears defensive lineman Corey Wootton.
Favre announced his retirement from football for good on January 2, 2011. His Vikings career had its high points; if only one turnover had not been committed on a January evening in the Superdome, Favre might have been permanently remembered in Minnesota… for the right reasons.
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