As he did so often during his 16-year career with the Packers, Brett Favre fought back his emotions.

In a tearful and voice-cracking press conference at Lambeau Field, Favre officially announced that his playing career is finished.

"I am officially retiring from the NFL and the Green Bay Packers," Favre said before pausing to fight back tears. "I promised I wouldn't get emotional ... It's funny, I've watched hundreds of players retire and you wonder what that would be like. You try to prepare ... I was telling Deanna on the way over here that God has blessed me with so many great things, great ability and fantastic family."

The media session was vintage Favre: unshaved and dressed in an un-tucked blue oxford shirt and blue jeans, the 38-year-old spoke without prepared remarks and responded to reporters' questions with straightforward answers.

Favre and the Packers, after two dismal seasons, underwent a resurgence in 2007. He posted some of the best numbers of his career as the Packers finished 13-3 and won the NFC North. The season ended just short of the Super Bowl with an overtime loss to New York in the NFC Championship Game. Favre's last NFL play was an interception to Corey Webster, which led to the winning field goal.

Favre has no regrets.

"I didn't think about it after that game," Favre said. "But one play, one game, one season doesn't define me. As upset as I was after that game, I really didn't think about my future.

"People said you can't go out that way. I'm going out on top, believe me. I don't care what other people think. I have no regrets."

Early on, Favre responded to those who believed that his retirement was influenced by the decision of general manager Ted Thompson to not pursue free agent wide receiver Randy Moss. Further speculation surrounded a belief that Thompson did little to make the quarterback feel wanted in Green Bay. Favre made it clear that the decision to step down was his and his alone.

"The reports this week have been untrue," Favre said. "Nobody could have changed my decision. None of those things had anything to do with me retiring, and that's from the heart," Favre said. "I've given everything I can possibly give to this organization and the NFL and I just don't have any more to give. That's what it came down to."

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Posted by Ripken on March 6, 2008 at 3:59 p.m. (report)

Sports Illustrated is apparently going to produce another Favre cover--this one sold just on newsstands as a 'tribute' edition: http://www.packfanatics.com/Sports-Illustrated-Favre-Tribute