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, 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

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.

May 1996: Enters Rehab for Vicodin Addiction

In May 1996, Brett Favre entered treatment for Vicodin addiction and remained in rehabilitation for 46 days.

1996: NFL Ban and Drug Rehab

In 1996, Favre was temporarily banned by the NFL from drinking alcohol after admitting his addiction to Vicodin, and spent 46 days at a drug rehab clinic. He also suffered a potentially deadly seizure.

October 5, 1998: Home Win Streak Ends

On October 5, 1998, the Packers' NFL record 29-game home win streak, led by Favre, ended with a loss to the Minnesota Vikings.

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 up 27–23. However, Steve Young responded with a touchdown to Terrell Owens with three seconds remaining to end the Packers' season.

1999: Rehab stint

In 1999, Favre checked himself into rehab for his drinking habits, and later quit drinking alcohol altogether.

1999: No Playoff Berth

In 1999, despite a bizarre tie-breaking scenario, the Packers did not make the playoffs.

1999: Bizarre Tie-Breaking Scenario

In 1999, during the final game of the NFL season, Favre and the Packers were involved in a bizarre tie-breaking scenario. The Packers needed to win, have the Dallas Cowboys lose, and win the net points tie-breaker versus the Carolina Panthers to qualify for the playoffs. Despite winning their game 49-24 and prevailing in net points, the Cowboys also won, eliminating the Packers from playoff contention.

2000: No Playoff Berth

In 2000, the Packers did not make the playoffs.

2002: Playoff Appearance and Home Loss

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

2003: Playoff Loss to Eagles

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

October 2004: Brother-in-law's Death

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

2004: Concussion and Touchdown Pass Against Giants

During the 2004 season, in a game against the New York Giants, Brett Favre suffered a concussion but still threw a 28-yard touchdown pass to Javon Walker. He later admitted to not remembering throwing the pass. He also broke Dan Marino's record for consecutive post season games with at least one touchdown pass.

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.

August 2005: Hurricane Katrina Damages Family Home

In late August 2005, Hurricane Katrina blew through Mississippi, destroying Brett Favre's family's home. Favre continued to play in the 2005 season.

2005: Below-Average Season and Retirement Speculation

During the 2005 season, Brett Favre had a below-average season with 20 touchdown passes and 29 interceptions. Many speculated that he would retire after the season.

2005: Streak of Non-Losing Seasons Ends

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

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 after complaining of shoulder pain. This injury occurred towards the end of his season with the New York Jets.

2008: Pro Bowl Selection and Withdrawal

Brett Favre was selected to the 2008 Pro Bowl as the starting quarterback for the NFC, but an ankle injury forced him to withdraw from the game.

2008: Alleged Sexting Incident

In 2008, the events that led to the NFL investigating Favre for allegedly sending inappropriate texts and voicemails to Jenn Sterger occurred.

January 10, 2010: Patriots Home Playoff Loss

On January 10, 2010, the New England Patriots had their combined regular and post season streak interrupted by a home playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

December 5, 2010: Favre injures shoulder against Buffalo Bills

On December 5, 2010, in 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 while making a throw. He missed the rest of the game due to the injury.

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 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.

2010: NFL Investigation and Fine

In 2010, the NFL investigated Favre for allegedly sexting and leaving inappropriate voice messages for Jenn Sterger during the 2008 season. While forensic analysis couldn't prove Favre sent the photos, he was fined $50,000 for not cooperating with the investigation.

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.

May 4, 2020: Misspent Funds Allegations

On May 4, 2020, an audit in Mississippi alleged that the state's Department of Human Services misspent $94 million intended for at-need residents, including $1.1 million paid to Favre's company for speaking appearances he did not make. The Mississippi auditor announced Favre intended to repay the money.

2020: Scrutiny over Prevasol promotion

In 2020, Favre's involvement with Prevacus corporation's concussion treatment drug, Prevasol, came under scrutiny. The Mississippi Community Education Center (MCEC) received $2.5 million in federal grant funds diverted from Mississippi's welfare funds. The Mississippi state auditor has called this 'the largest public embezzlement case in state history'.

October 12, 2021: Notification of 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: Partial Payment and Remaining Debt

On October 26, 2021, Favre paid $600,000. The Mississippi State Auditor said Favre still owed $228,000 in interest and referred the matter to the state attorney general's office. Favre was questioned by the FBI over the funds.

September 13, 2022: Publication of Text Messages

On September 13, 2022, Mississippi Today published text messages between Favre and former Mississippi governor Phil Bryant showing Favre's involvement in a plan to divert $5 million of welfare money to a new volleyball facility at the University of Southern Mississippi.

August 2023: Ordered to stand as defendant

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

December 11, 2023: Deposition in Welfare Funds Lawsuit

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