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 is a retired NFL quarterback, 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) from 1992 to 2010. Favre was also the first NFL quarterback to surpass milestones such as 70,000 passing yards, 10,000 pass attempts, 6,000 pass completions, and 500 touchdown passes. He also achieved victories against all 32 NFL teams, solidifying his place as one of the league's most enduring and accomplished players.

Sections (6)

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

September 19, 1987: Favre's College Debut

On September 19, 1987, Brett Favre, as a freshman quarterback for Southern Mississippi, took over the starting position in the third game against Tulane. Despite suffering from a hangover, Favre led the Golden Eagles to a come-from-behind victory with two touchdown passes.

September 2, 1989: Upset Victory over Florida State

On September 2, 1989, Favre led the Golden Eagles to an upset victory over #6 Florida State. He threw the game-winning touchdown pass with 23 seconds remaining.

July 19, 1991: Favre Signs with Atlanta Falcons

On July 19, 1991, Brett Favre signed a three-year, US$1.4 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons, including a $350,000 signing bonus.

February 11, 1992: Favre Traded to Green Bay Packers

On February 11, 1992, Brett Favre was traded from the Atlanta Falcons to the Green Bay Packers. The Packers traded a first-round pick to acquire Favre.

September 20, 1992: Favre's Consecutive Starts Streak Begins

On September 20, 1992, Brett Favre began his record-breaking streak of consecutive starts, which lasted until January 20, 2008, while playing for the Green Bay Packers. This streak would eventually reach 297 games in the regular season.

September 27, 1992: Favre Named Starter for Packers

On September 27, 1992, Brett Favre was named the starting quarterback for the Green Bay Packers before a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, beginning a streak of consecutive starts.

1994: Start of NFC Championship Streak

In 1994, was the first time since this year that Favre and the Packers failed to at least reach the NFC Championship.

1996: Favre Establishes Fourward Foundation

In 1996, Favre established the Brett Favre Fourward Foundation to donate to charities in Mississippi and Wisconsin.

March 1, 2001: 10-Year Contract Extension

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

2004: Deanna Favre's Breast Cancer Diagnosis

In 2004, Favre's wife, Deanna Favre, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Following treatment, she recovered and created The Deanna Favre Hope Foundation.

2004: Continued Positive Results

Through the 2004 season, the Packers had the longest streak of non-losing seasons (13) in the NFL.

April 26, 2006: Announcement to Remain with the Team

On April 26, 2006, after a disappointing 2005 season and speculation about retirement, Favre announced that he would remain with the team for the 2006 season.

May 6, 2006: Possibility of Returning Beyond 2006

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

2006: Consideration of Retirement

Beginning near the end of the 2006 season, Favre considered retirement and was given a standing ovation by Chicago fans.

2007: Future in Doubt

During the 2007 season, Favre's future was in doubt, with speculation that he would retire if the Packers made the Super Bowl, but the Packers fell in the NFC Championship to the New York Giants.

2007: Milestone Season

Favre's milestone 2007 season culminated with his selection to the 2008 Pro Bowl as the starting quarterback for the NFC.

January 20, 2008: End of Favre's Consecutive Starts Streak with the Packers

On January 20, 2008, Brett Favre's consecutive starts streak as a Green Bay Packer came to an end. He continued to play for other teams afterwards, extending the record.

March 4, 2008: Favre Announces Retirement

On March 4, 2008, Brett Favre formally announced his retirement from the NFL, citing a lack of motivation for another Super Bowl run. He openly wept during the press conference and stated his decision had nothing to do with the Packers organization.

July 2, 2008: Favre Contacts Packers About Possible Return

On July 2, 2008, Brett Favre reportedly contacted the Green Bay Packers to discuss a potential return to the team after previously announcing his retirement.

July 11, 2008: Favre Requests Unconditional Release

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

July 14, 2008: Favre Interview on Fox News

On July 14, 2008, Brett Favre spoke about his potential comeback on Fox News Channel's "On the Record with Greta Van Susteren." He admitted to "retiring early" and feeling pressured by the Packers, and requested his release to play for a competitive team, accusing the Packers of dishonesty.

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July 29, 2008: Favre Files for Reinstatement with NFL

On July 29, 2008, Brett Favre formally filed for reinstatement with the NFL, seeking to return to professional football.

August 4, 2008: Favre's Reinstatement Granted

On August 4, 2008, Brett Favre's petition for reinstatement was granted by Commissioner Goodell. He reported to Packers training camp but both sides agreed to part ways due to deteriorated relationship.

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

On August 7, 2008, the Green Bay 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.

January 2009: Favre Considers Retirement

In mid-January 2009, after the 2008 season, Brett Favre suggested to Jets General Manager Mike Tannenbaum that they should consider a different direction at the quarterback position.