Originally appeared on Dane101:

It appears the reports that surfaced on the Packer’s web site last week were true. FOX Sports is reporting that Brett Favre has retired and will not play in 2008.

Favre is the NFL’s all-time leader in several major categories, including touchdowns, passing yards, consecutive games started, and interceptions. Favre is coming off an MVP-type year where he threw for 4,155 yards and 28 touchdowns.

The reaction in the coffee shop where I am currently writing this seems to be unified – without Favre, why watch the Packers?

While the Packers are a good young team, I have to admit I initially agree.

Favre is more than the greatest quarterback of all time; he is a unique character. He is often compared with Peyton Manning and Tom Brady – current players that excel at the position. However, apart from Super Bowl rings and stats, there is little comparison.

Watch these three play quarterbacks. Manning is emotionless and relentless; calling plays at the line of scrimmage and executing them flawlessly. Brady constantly scowls; you would think he was attending a funeral rather than up by 14.

Favre realizes he is a man playing a kids game. Favre is constantly smiling and having fun. That is what endears him to Wisconsin fans.

Personally, I was hoping for one more year of Favre. One more year watching him play the game like a kid in a sandlot. One more year twirling his receivers after they catch a touchdown. One more finger raised high as he runs to off the field. One more miraculous play that makes me scratch my head and smile at the same time.

However, I realize it would never be enough. If he did well again in 2008, I would clamor for one more season.  It becomes a never-ending cycle.

I doubt there will ever be another player that brings so much heart and emotion to the game as Favre. Throughout his career, Favre did it “his way.” It seems only fitting that if he retires, he goes out on his terms.