Is he "Quitting".......or ...."Retiring"?

After 17 years.............Brett Favre.......is retiring........or is he quitting?

Favre announced today he is leaving the NFL and the Green Bay Packers. Why? Yes, he has been in the league 17 years and as a quarterback has taken his share of punishment. But last year he led the Packers to a game shy of the Super Bowl.........losing to the New York Giants in the NFC Championship game.

I have mixed feelings about our man Favre. While I admire his toughness and love for the game.......I have become increasingly tired of the love-fest manifested by the sports world talking heads. ESPN, FOX, NBC, and CBS has developed a love affair with this guy from the swamps of Mississippi. Brett can do no wrong. Packer fans adore him. White America uses him as the poster boy for all that is right with pro football.

Favre's records include........most career touchdowns (442). Most career passing yards (61,655).

He also has the record for throwing more interceptions (288) than any quarterback ever.

At 38, it's safe to say Favre's best years are behind him. But after a great 2007.......why leave now?

A true old fashioned gunslinger, Favre lost a lot of games.......but won more than he lost. He always thought he could make .....the play.....

Favre has given the game of football and the NFL 17 years of life and fun. It's time to move on. Whether you term it a retirement or quitting............He's gone. The NFL will survive.........a new star will emerge.......Favre will be a first ballot Hall of Famer.

Trivia notes.........

The Atlanta Falcons (yes .....those Atlanta Falcons) drafted Favre.......only to trade him to Green Bay a year later.

Favre's very first completed pass.........was to .......himself......a deflected pass, batted it the air, which Favre caught. His last pass? An interception into the hands of a New York Giant. So....you want to go out like this?

Is it "quits" or "retirement" ?