Shaped his legacy
Brett Favre is widely known as an NFL legend who played for 20 seasons and holds the record for the most consecutive starts by a quarterback, with 321 starts from 1992 to 2010. Favre was the first NFL quarterback to achieve several milestones, including 70,000 passing yards, 10,000 passes, 6,000 completions, and 500 touchdowns. In this slideshow, we dive into Favre’s career and early moments that helped shaped his legacy.
Playing quarterback
Favre received a football scholarship from Southern Mississippi, the only one he received. Despite the school’s preference for him to play defensive back, he insisted on playing quarterback.
Numerous passing achievements
During his senior year, Favre was involved in a serious car accident that required emergency surgery to remove 30 inches of his small intestine; he returned to lead the team to a comeback victory over Alabama eight weeks later. Favre set several records at Southern Miss, holding numerous passing achievements until surpassed by a later player.
Atlanta Falcons
Favre was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the second round (33rd overall) of the 1991 NFL Draft. He had a difficult rookie season, attempting only four passes and throwing two interceptions.
Was traded
On February 11, 1992, Favre was traded to the Green Bay Packers, where general manager Ron Wolf overruled medical advice regarding Favre’s hip condition (avascular necrosis), allowing the trade to proceed.
NFL record
Favre quickly became the starting quarterback for the Packers, starting every game from September 20, 1992, until January 20, 2008. This streak extended to a total of 297 consecutive starts by the time he left Green Bay, setting an NFL record.
First player
During the 1995, 1996, and 1997 seasons, Favre won three consecutive AP MVP awards, making him the first player in NFL history to achieve this feat.
Super Bowl
Super Bowl XXXI Champion: Favre led the Packers to victory in Super Bowl XXXI in 1997 against the New England Patriots, completing 14 of 27 passes for 246 yards, including two touchdown passes and one rushing touchdown.
Consecutive games
Favre had a career high of 4,413 passing yards and 38 touchdowns in 1995. He also tied an NFL record for passing at least two touchdowns in twelve consecutive games during the 1994-1995 seasons.
Three touchdowns
The Packers returned to the Super Bowl in 1998 but lost to the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXXII. Favre completed 25 of 42 passes for 256 yards and three touchdowns in the game.
Led the Packers
Favre led the Packers to an NFL record of 29 consecutive home victories (25 regular season, 4 postseason), which was uninterrupted until they lost to the Minnesota Vikings on October 5, 1998.
Reflecting his value
On March 1, 2001, Favre signed a 10-year contract extension worth approximately $100 million, reflecting his value to the Packers and his status as one of the premier quarterbacks in the NFL. With the Packers, he revitalized the team, leading them to 11 playoff appearances during his 16 seasons there.
Securing a championship
Favre led the Packers to two consecutive Super Bowl appearances, securing a championship title in Super Bowl XXXI. After his time with the Packers, he played one season with the New York Jets and two seasons with the Minnesota Vikings.