Brett Favre Offically Retires

ESPN is reporting that Brett Favre sent an e-mail to Ed Werder indicating that he will soon inform the New York Jets that he is retiring from professional football after 17 years. While there are sure to be questions throughout the entire offseason about whether this is finally it, Favre seems to be, once again, convinced that he has played his last game.

Brett Favre Photos

** FILE ** This is a Nov. 2, 2008 file photo showing New York Jets' Brett Favre during the first half of the NFL football game at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y. Favre's agent says the New York Jets quarterback will retire. The 39-year-old Favre instructed agent James "Bus" Cook to tell the team Wednesday Feb. 11, 2009 that he won't return for a 19th NFL season _ and second with the Jets.(AP Photo/Dean Duprey)

** FILE ** This Oct. 26, 2008 file photo shows New York Jets quarterback Brett Favre throwing against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first quarter of an NFL football game in East Rutherford, N.J. Favre's agent says the New York Jets quarterback will retire. The 39-year-old Favre instructed agent James "Bus" Cook to tell the team Wednesday Feb. 11, 2009 that he won't return for a 19th NFL season _ and second with the Jets. (AP Photo/Tim Larsen, File)

** FILE ** This Dec. 21, 2008 file photo shows New York Jets quarterback Brett Favre walking along the sideline in the first half against the Seahawks in an NFL football game in Seattle. The Seahawks won 13-3. Favre's agent says the New York Jets quarterback will retire. The 39-year-old Favre instructed agent James "Bus" Cook to tell the team Wednesday Feb. 11, 2009 that he won't return for a 19th NFL season _ and second with the Jets. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)

** FILE ** In this Nov. 2, 2008 file photo, New York Jets quarterback Brett Favre looks on after an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y. Favre's agent says the New York Jets quarterback will retire. The 39-year-old Favre instructed agent James "Bus" Cook to tell the team Wednesday Feb. 11, 2009that he won't return for a 19th NFL season _ and second with the Jets.(AP Photo/Don Heupel, File)

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 28: Linebacker Channing Crowder #52 of the Miami Dolphins pressures quarterback Brett Favre #4 of the New York Jets on December 28, 2008 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Dolphins defeated the Jets 24-17. (Photo by David Drapkin/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Brett Favre;Channing Crowder

Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 28: Quarterback Brett Favre #4 of the New York Jets tries to stop defensive end Phillip Merling #97 of the Miami Dolphins from scoring a touchdown on December 28, 2008 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Merling just intercepted a Favre pass. The Dolphins defeated the Jets 24-17. (Photo by David Drapkin/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Phillip Merling;Brett Favre

Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 28: Quarterback Brett Favre #4 of the New York Jets throws the football against the Miami Dolphins on December 28, 2008 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Dolphins defeated the Jets 24-17. (Photo by David Drapkin/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Brett Favre

Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 28: Brett Favre #4 of The New York Jets calls a huddle against The Miami Dolphins during their game on December 28, 2008 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Brett Favre

Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 28: Brett Favre #4 of The New York Jets leaves the field after losing to The Miami Dolphins 24-17 after their game on December 28, 2008 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Brett Favre

Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 28: Brett Favre #4 of The New York Jetspasses the ball against The Miami Dolphins during their game on December 28, 2008 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Brett Favre

Getty Images

Favre's agent, per his request, informed the Jets of his client's decision. Favre expressed no regrets about finishing with a team other than the Green Bay Packers. He praised the Jets' general manager, Mike Tannenbaum, and owner, Woody Johnson.

"Mike and Woody, as well as the entire organization, have been nothing short of outstanding,'' Favre said in the email. "My teammates -- Thomas and Kerry included -- were a pleasure to play with. Eric (Mangini) could not have been any better. I enjoyed playing for him. My time with the Jets was short, but I'm honored to be given that chance.''

"Thomas and Kerry" in the above paragraph would be Thomas Jones and Kerry Rhodes, both of whom were quite harsh with Favre for his mistakes later in the season. It probably wasn't the way Favre wanted to go out, considering the Jets lost four of their last five games -- blowing a playoff spot in the process.

There are sure to be many debates in the next few days as to Favre's eventual landing spot among the best quarterbacks of all-time. Some will say he's overrated, and some will say he's one of the best ever. Regardless, he'll be bronzed as a Hall of Famer in Canton the first chance he gets. To that, not even a Bears fan could argue.

UPDATE: The Jets have confirmed the retirement, a move that frees up $13 million in cap space. Favre held a press conference on Wednesday to officially announce the decision.