( dpa ) - Brett Favre, one of the great quarterbacks of his generation and among the best ever, retired on Tuesday, ending his celebrated 17-year career with his beloved the Green Bay Packers.
"I know I can still play, but it's like I told my wife, I'm just tired mentally. I'm just tired," Favre told ESPN.
Favre, 38, had contemplated retirement for several years and his occasional poor play had led some to wonder whether he was playing too far past his prime.
But the Packers rebuilt around him, and last year Favre led to team to within one game of the Super Bowl championship.
But the Packers were defeated by the New York Giants, who went on to beat the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl. Favre played twice in the Super Bowl, defeating he New England Patriots in 1997 and losing to the Denver Broncos the following year.
Favre leaves the National Football League as the all-time leader for most touchdown passes, 442, most career throwing yardage, 61,655, and most career pass completions 5,377.
Probably most remarkable was his durability. He started every game for the Packers since 1992.