Challenges in the Life of Brett Favre in a Detailed Timeline

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Brett Favre. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

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

July 14, 1990: Near-Fatal Car Accident

On July 14, 1990, Brett Favre was involved in a near-fatal car accident before his senior year at Southern Miss. His car flipped three times, and he was rushed to the hospital, later requiring the removal of 30 inches of his small intestine.

May 1996: Favre Enters Rehab for Vicodin Addiction

In May 1996, Brett Favre entered treatment for an addiction to Vicodin and remained in rehabilitation for 46 days, following a seizure and an NFL investigation. This was made public to avoid rumors.

1996: Favre Banned from Alcohol by NFL

In 1996, Favre was temporarily banned by the NFL from drinking alcohol and went to rehab due to Vicodin addiction.

October 5, 1998: Packers' Home Win Streak Ends

On October 5, 1998, the Green Bay Packers, led by Brett Favre, were defeated by the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football, ending their NFL record of 29 consecutive home wins (25 regular season, 4 post season).

1998: Wild Card Round Loss to 49ers

In 1998, the Packers lost to the San Francisco 49ers in the Wild Card Round. Brett Favre rallied the team with a touchdown pass to Antonio Freeman with 1:56 remaining, putting the Packers ahead 27–23, but Steve Young responded with a touchdown to Terrell Owens with three seconds remaining to end the Packers season.

1999: Bizarre Tie-Breaking Scenario

During the final game of the 1999 NFL season, Favre and the Packers were involved in a bizarre tie-breaking scenario. Despite winning their game against the Arizona Cardinals 49-24 and Favre leading a 99-yard touchdown drive, the Cowboys' victory eliminated the Packers from playoff contention.

1999: Favre Enters Rehab

In 1999, Brett Favre checked himself into rehab to address his heavy drinking habits and later quit drinking.

1999: No Playoff Berth

In 1999, the Packers did not make the playoffs.

2000: No Playoff Berth

In 2000, the Packers did not make the playoffs.

2001: Michael Strahan's Sack Record

In the regular-season finale of 2001, Favre was sacked by Michael Strahan, giving Strahan the NFL's single-season sack record of 22.5.

2002: Playoff Appearance and Loss

In 2002, Favre and the Packers made the playoffs but suffered their first home playoff loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

2003: Playoff Appearance and Loss

In 2003, Favre and the Packers made the playoffs but suffered a heartbreaking playoff loss to the Eagles.

October 2004: Death of Brother-in-Law

In October 2004, ten months after the death of Favre's father, his brother-in-law, Casey Tynes, was killed in an all-terrain vehicle accident on Favre's Mississippi property.

2004: Concussion and Touchdown Pass

During a 2004 game against the New York Giants, Favre suffered a concussion but still threw a 28-yard touchdown pass to Javon Walker. He also had significant touchdown streaks during the season, but the Packers lost in the Wild Card Round to the Minnesota Vikings.

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.

August 2005: Hurricane Katrina Damage

In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina destroyed Favre's family's home in Mississippi, and extensively damaged his property in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Despite this setback, Favre continued to play in the 2005 season.

2005: Below-Average Season

During the 2005 season, Favre threw for over 3,000 yards for a record 14th consecutive time, but had a below-average season with 20 touchdown passes and a league-leading 29 interceptions, with a passer rating of 70.9, 31st in the NFL.

2005: End of Non-Losing Seasons Streak

In 2005, the Packers finished with a 4–12 record, ending their streak of non-losing seasons.

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 16, 2008: Packers File Tampering Charges Against Vikings

On July 16, 2008, the Green Bay Packers filed tampering charges against the Minnesota Vikings, alleging improper communication between Vikings' staff and Brett Favre. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell later ruled there was no violation.

December 29, 2008: MRI Reveals Torn Biceps Tendon

On December 29, 2008, an MRI revealed that Brett Favre had a torn biceps tendon in his right shoulder.

2008: Pro Bowl Withdrawal

In 2008, an ankle injury forced Favre to withdraw from the Pro Bowl.

2008: Alleged Sexting Incident

The alleged sexting and inappropriate voice messages for Jets "Gameday host" Jenn Sterger happened during the 2008 season.

September 2009: Jets Fined for Not Reporting Favre's Injury

In September 2009, the NFL fined the New York Jets $125,000 for failing to report Brett Favre's arm injury during the final five games of the 2008 season.

2009: Favre Discusses Playing with Concussions

In a 2009 interview with NBC, Brett Favre admitted to playing with concussions many times that would have sidelined him under new NFL standards.

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December 5, 2010: Favre Injured Against Buffalo Bills

On December 5, 2010, during a game against the Buffalo Bills, Brett Favre sustained a sprain of the AC joint in his right shoulder after being hit by Bills linebacker Arthur Moats.

December 13, 2010: Favre's Consecutive Start Streak Ends

On December 13, 2010, Brett Favre was marked inactive for the game against the New York Giants due to his sprained shoulder, ending his consecutive regular-season start streak at 297 games.

December 20, 2010: Favre Sustains Concussion in Final NFL Game

On December 20, 2010, while playing the Chicago Bears at TCF Bank Stadium, Brett Favre sustained a concussion after being sacked. This marked his final appearance in an NFL game.

2010: NFL Investigates Favre

In 2010, the NFL investigated Favre for allegedly sexting and leaving inappropriate voice messages for Jenn Sterger, ultimately fining him $50,000 for non-cooperation.

January 2, 2011: Favre Unable to Play Due to Concussion

On January 2, 2011, Brett Favre was unable to play in the final game of the regular NFL season against the Detroit Lions due to his inability to pass NFL-mandated post-concussion tests.

2013: Favre Turns Down Offer from Rams

In 2013, Brett Favre declined an offer to return to the NFL with the St. Louis Rams due to concerns about memory loss from multiple concussions.

May 4, 2020: Audit Alleges Misspent Funds

On May 4, 2020, an audit in Mississippi alleged that the state's Department of Human Services misspent $94 million, including $1.1 million paid to Favre's company for speaking appearances he did not make.

2020: Favre's Involvement in Concussion Treatment Drug

In 2020, Favre's involvement with Prevacus corporation and the development of Prevasol came under scrutiny due to misappropriation of welfare funds.

October 12, 2021: Favre Could Face Civil Lawsuit

On October 12, 2021, the Mississippi State Auditor notified Favre that he could face a civil lawsuit if he did not pay the state $828,000.

October 26, 2021: Favre Pays $600,000

On October 26, 2021, Favre paid $600,000 to the state of Mississippi.

September 13, 2022: Text Messages Published

On September 13, 2022, Mississippi Today published text messages between Favre and former Mississippi governor Phil Bryant showing Favre's involvement in diverting money to a volleyball facility.

August 2023: Favre to stand as defendant

In August 2023, the Mississippi Supreme Court ordered Favre to stand as a defendant in the welfare funds lawsuit.

December 11, 2023: Favre Deposed in Welfare Funds Lawsuit

On December 11, 2023, Favre took part in a deposition, with attorneys for the State of Mississippi interrogating him for more than nine hours regarding the welfare funds lawsuit.