Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Brett Favre

Discover the career path of Brett Favre, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Brett Favre, a former NFL quarterback, is renowned for his remarkable 20-season career, predominantly with the Green Bay Packers. He holds the NFL record for 321 consecutive starts (297 regular season games), showcasing unparalleled durability. Favre was the first quarterback to surpass milestones like 70,000 passing yards, 10,000 passes, 6,000 completions, 500 touchdowns, and achieve victories against all 32 NFL teams, solidifying his status as a legendary figure in football.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1965: Longest Winning Streak since 1965

In 1992, Favre helped put together a six-game winning streak for the Packers, the longest winning streak for the club since 1965.

1967: Advanced further than any other Packers team since 1967

In 1995, Favre helped the Packers advance farther in the playoffs than any other Packer team since 1967, which was the season the Packers last won the championship in Super Bowl II.

1982: First Playoff Berth Since 1982

In 1993, Favre helped the Packers to their first playoff berth since 1982.

September 19, 1987: First Game as Starting Quarterback

On September 19, 1987, Brett Favre started his first game as quarterback for Southern Mississippi against Tulane, leading them to a comeback victory despite being hungover.

July 19, 1991: Signed Falcons Contract

On July 19, 1991, Brett Favre signed a three-year, $1.4 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons.

1991: Drafted by the Atlanta Falcons

In 1991, Brett Favre was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the second round of the NFL draft.

February 11, 1992: Traded to Green Bay Packers

On February 11, 1992, Brett Favre was traded to the Green Bay Packers for a first-round pick.

September 20, 1992: Consecutive Starts Streak Begins

On September 20, 1992, Brett Favre began his record-breaking streak of consecutive starts, playing every game for the Packers until January 20, 2008.

1992: Took over as Packers Quarterback

In 1992, Brett Favre took over as the Packers' quarterback, leading a comeback victory against the Cincinnati Bengals and securing the starting position.

1992: Joined Green Bay Packers

In 1992, Favre joined the Green Bay Packers and became their starting quarterback, revitalizing the franchise.

1994: Start of NFC Championship Streak

In 1994, the Packers began a streak of reaching at least the NFC Championship each year, which ended in 1998.

1994: Playoff Appearance

In 1994, the Packers, led by Favre, made it to the playoffs for the second consecutive year, a feat not achieved since the Vince Lombardi era.

1995: First MVP Award and NFC Championship Appearance

In 1995, Brett Favre won his first AP MVP award, led the Packers to an 11-5 record, and advanced to the NFC Championship Game.

1996: Establishment of Brett Favre Fourward Foundation

In 1996, Favre established the Brett Favre Fourward Foundation. Through events like a golf tournament, softball game and fundraising dinners, the foundation has donated over $2 million to charities in Mississippi and Wisconsin.

1999: Jarrett/Favre Motorsports

In 1999, Favre partnered with NASCAR driver Dale Jarrett to operate Jarrett/Favre Motorsports in the Busch Series for two seasons.

March 1, 2001: Signed 10-year contract extension

On March 1, 2001, Brett Favre signed a 10-year contract extension with the Green Bay Packers, worth around $100 million.

2004: Wife's Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Recovery

In 2004, Brett Favre's wife, Deanna Favre, was diagnosed with breast cancer. She recovered following aggressive treatment and created The Deanna Favre Hope Foundation.

2004: Book Release: Favre

In 2004, Brett and Bonita Favre released a book titled "Favre" which discusses their family and the Green Bay Packers, including the Monday Night Football game following the death of Brett's father, Irvin Favre.

April 26, 2006: Favre Announces Return for 2006 Season

On April 26, 2006, Brett Favre announced that he would remain with the team for the 2006 season.

May 6, 2006: Favre Doesn't Rule Out Returning Beyond 2006

On May 6, 2006, Brett Favre announced that he had not ruled out the possibility of returning beyond the 2006 season, despite earlier comments that it would be his last.

December 31, 2006: 22nd Career Win Versus Bears

On December 31, 2006, Brett Favre led the Packers to a 26–7 victory against the Chicago Bears, marking his 22nd career win versus the Bears.

September 16, 2007: Record Setting 149th Win

On September 16, 2007, Brett Favre and the Packers defeated the New York Giants, giving Favre his record setting 149th win, surpassing John Elway.

November 4, 2007: Defeats All 31 Other NFL Teams

On November 4, 2007, after the Packers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs, Brett Favre became only the third quarterback to have defeated all 31 other current NFL teams.

2007: Milestone Season

Brett Favre had a milestone 2007 season.

January 20, 2008: End of Packers Consecutive Start Streak

On January 20, 2008, Brett Favre's consecutive start streak for Packers ended.

March 4, 2008: Favre announces his retirement

On March 4, 2008, Brett Favre formally announced his retirement from the NFL. He expressed that while he felt capable of playing another year, he didn't believe his team's chances of winning the Super Bowl were high enough to warrant continuing. During the press conference, Favre openly wept about leaving the NFL, emphasizing that his decision was based on his personal desire not to play anymore.

July 2, 2008: Favre considers return to the Packers

On July 2, 2008, Brett Favre reportedly contacted the Green Bay Packers about a possible return to the team, stirring speculation about his future in the NFL.

July 11, 2008: Favre requests unconditional release from Packers

On July 11, 2008, Brett Favre sent a letter to the Packers requesting an unconditional release, aiming to play for another NFL team. However, Packers general manager Ted Thompson declined, reaffirming the organization's commitment to Aaron Rodgers as their new quarterback.

July 14, 2008: Favre discusses potential comeback

On July 14, 2008, in an interview with Greta Van Susteren on Fox News Channel's "On the Record with Greta Van Susteren", Brett Favre publicly discussed his potential comeback, admitting he retired early and felt pressured by the Packers to make a decision sooner than he wanted. He expressed his desire to be released to play for a competitive team and accused the Packers of dishonesty.

July 29, 2008: Favre files for reinstatement with the NFL

On July 29, 2008, Brett Favre formally filed for reinstatement with the NFL, marking a significant step in his potential return to professional football.

August 4, 2008: Favre's reinstatement granted; sides agree to part ways

On August 4, 2008, Brett Favre's petition for reinstatement was granted by Commissioner Goodell. Favre reported to Packers training camp but after meetings with head coach Mike McCarthy and general manager Ted Thompson, both sides agreed it was time to part ways, as the relationship between Favre and Packers management had deteriorated.

August 7, 2008: Favre traded to the New York Jets

On August 7, 2008, after negotiations, the Packers traded Brett Favre to the New York Jets in exchange for a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2009 NFL draft with performance escalation, marking a new chapter in his career.

2008: Trade to the New York Jets

In 2008, Brett Favre was traded to the New York Jets after playing for the Green Bay Packers.

February 11, 2009: Favre informs Jets of retirement

On February 11, 2009, Brett Favre informed the New York Jets that he was retiring after 18 seasons in the NFL, marking the end of his time with the team.

April 28, 2009: Jets release Favre from contract

On April 28, 2009, the New York Jets released Brett Favre from his contract, allowing him to sign with any team he chose, further opening the door for a potential return to the NFL.

August 18, 2009: Favre signs with the Minnesota Vikings

On August 18, 2009, after an offseason of speculation, Brett Favre officially signed with the Minnesota Vikings, marking another chapter in his NFL career.

2009: Strong Season with the Vikings

In 2009, Brett Favre had a strong season with the Minnesota Vikings, leading them to a division title and an NFC Championship Game appearance.

August 3, 2010: Confirmation of Favre returning to the Vikings for final season

On August 3, 2010, NBC Sports reported the confirmation of Brett Favre returning to the Vikings but stating that the 2010 season would be his final season in the NFL.

August 17, 2010: Favre's return to Vikings confirmed

On August 17, 2010, an announcement was given confirming Brett Favre's return to the Minnesota Vikings for what would be his final season in the NFL.

November 7, 2010: Favre throws for a career-high 446 yards

On November 7, 2010, in a game against the Arizona Cardinals, Brett Favre threw for a career-high 446 yards, leading the Vikings to an overtime victory after rallying from a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit.

December 20, 2010: Favre sustains a concussion in final NFL game

On December 20, 2010, while playing against the Chicago Bears at TCF Bank Stadium, Brett Favre sustained a concussion after being sacked by Bears defensive end Corey Wootton, marking his final appearance in an NFL game.

January 2, 2011: Favre unable to play due to concussion; announces retirement

On January 2, 2011, Brett Favre was unable to play against the Detroit Lions in the final game of the regular NFL season due to his inability to pass NFL-mandated post-concussion tests. In a press conference following the game, Favre announced his intention to retire from professional football.

January 17, 2011: Favre officially files retirement papers

On January 17, 2011, Brett Favre officially filed his retirement papers with the NFL, solidifying the end of his professional football career.

October 1, 2011: Favre serves as analyst for Southern Miss game

On October 1, 2011, Brett Favre served as the analyst for his alma mater, Southern Miss, when they played the Rice Owls, marking his entry into sports broadcasting.

2012: Offensive Coordinator for Oak Grove High School

In 2012, Favre became the offensive coordinator for Oak Grove High School and secured his first win with a score of 64-6.

December 2013: Oak Grove High School State Championship

In December 2013, with Favre as the offensive coordinator, Oak Grove High School won the Class 6A Mississippi high school state championship.

2013: Joins Board of Directors of Sqor

In 2013, Favre joined the Board of Directors of Sqor, a sports social media platform. His role involved product ambassadorship, providing sports insights, and advising Sqor on business interests.

May 2014: Stepping down as Offensive Coordinator

In May 2014, it was announced that Favre would continue to help out at Oak Grove, but would no longer be offensive coordinator.

2016: Nephew plays in Indoor Football League

In 2016, Favre's nephew, Dylan, played quarterback for the Cedar Rapids Titans of the Indoor Football League after playing college football at Mississippi State, Pearl River Community College, and the University of Tennessee-Martin.