Brett Favre Decides to Stay Retired

Let the countdown clock begin ... again. In five years, one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play in the NFL will be enshrined at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

As first reported by the Minneapolis Star Tribune, former Green Bay Packers and New York Jets quarterback Brett Favre has informed Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress of his intent to stay retired.

"It was the hardest decision I've ever made,'' Favre told ESPN. "I didn't feel like physically I could play at a level that was acceptable. I would like to thank everyone, including the Packers, Jets and Vikings -- but, most importantly, the fans.

"I had to be careful not to commit for the wrong reasons. They were telling me, 'You went through all this, you had the surgery and you've got to finish it off.' But I have legitimate reasons for my decision. I'm 39 with a lot of sacks to my name."

Childress and Favre spoke prior to the quarterback's decision going public. Afterward, Childress released a statement:

"It was a rare and unique opportunity to consider adding not only a future Hall of Fame quarterback but one that is very familiar with our system and division. That does not detract from the team that we have. As we have consistently communicated, we feel good about our team and they have put forth a tremendous effort this offseason preparing for the season ahead. With this behind us, we look forward to getting to Mankato and getting training camp underway."

Barring another change of heart by Favre (no one can ever really rule this out), or another move by the Vikings, they'll enter training camp Friday with Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels competing for the starting job.

Jackson looked solid in his late-season run in 2008, but sputtered badly in Minnesota's playoff loss to Philadelphia. Rosenfels has never been a full-time NFL starter, but has played well in spurts for Houston.

Brett Favre Photos

FILE - In this Nov. 11, 2007, file photo Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre (4) talks to Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress after an NFL football game in Green Bay, Wis. Childress said Tuesday, July 28, 2009, that Favre won't play for the Vikings. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, File)

FILE - In this July 15, 2009, file photo, quarterback Brett Favre drops back to pass during drills with the Oak Grove High School football team in Hattiesburg, Miss. Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress said Tuesday, July 28, that Favre won't play for the Vikings. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis, File)

FILE - In this Dec. 21, 2008, file photo, New York Jets quarterback Brett Favre watches from the sidelines against the Seattle Seahawks in an NFL football game in Seattle. Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress said Tuesday, July 28, 2009, that Favre won't play for the Vikings. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)

FILE -- This is a May 1, 2009 file photo showing Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress is shown at the teamsl rookie mini-camp in Eden Prairie, Minn. With Brett Favre's arrival apparently imminent and contract negotiations going on with cornerback Antoine Winfield, first-round pick Percy Harvin and second-round pick Phil Loadholt, Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress has plenty on his plate as training camp approaches.(AP Photo/Jim Mone, File)

Quarterback Brett Favre smiles as he watches an Oak Grove High School football team player run his route during an informal practice, Wednesday, July 15, 2009 in Hattiesburg, Miss. Favre works out with the team and takes his place in the quarterback rotation as he prepares for his next move in the NFL. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

An Oak Grove High School receiver catches a pass as quarterback Brett Favre, rear right, watches during a morning informal practice Wednesday, July 15, 2009 in Hattiesburg, Miss. Favre gives the players small tips as to how to improve their game while taking snaps. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Quarterback Brett Favre drops back for a pass during an informal morning practice with the Oak Grove High School football team, as he prepares for his next move in the NFL, Wednesday, July 15, 2009, in Hattiesburg, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Quarterback Brett Favre practices with the Oak Grove High School football team as he prepares for his next move in the NFL, Wednesday, July 15, 2009 in Hattiesburg, Miss. Favre participates in the quarterback drills and takes his turn throwing at the receivers and backs. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Brett Favre stands amid members of the Oak Grove High School football team as they conduct an informal morning practice Wednesday, July 15, 2009 in Hattiesburg, Miss. Although Favre is an NFL-quality player getting ready for perhaps another gridiron season, he takes his turns in the quarterback rotation when they conduct their drills. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Oak Grove High School football coach Nevil Barr, left, and pro-quarterback Brett Favre, center, have a quick conversation with an Oak Grove player during a July 15, 2009, informal morning practice at the Hattiesburg, Miss., school. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)