His decision was based on exactly what the quarterback told ESPN's Chris Mortensen on Tuesday morning: he was mentally drained. Favre believes he could still play at a high level, but was burned out from the preparations and expectations that come with being an NFL quarterback.

Practice, film sessions, injury treatments ... and even the media obligations just made it more than Favre wanted to deal with anymore.

"I can play, but I'm just not up for the challenge anymore." Favre said. "You can't just show up for three hours on Sunday. I have way too much pride."

Favre's future with the Packers had been a widely-discussed off-season topic since he made an off-hand remark following a 2002 playoff loss to Atlanta at Lambeau Field. Following the 2005 season, Favre waited until late April to announce his return.

He said that he knows right now that he is making the right decision, but the competitor in him will continue to have some doubts for at least a little while.

Favre has never had a problem living up to the image of the carefree gunslinger that just played the game for fun. He was asked what it meant to him to be one of the people that returned the Packers franchise to elite status in the NFL. Favre said at the time, he didn't pay too much attention.

"It's good that I didn't know any better," Favre said. "I had talent. Probably thought I had more. But I was so naive. I knew all about the Green Bay Packers and all the great players that had played here before. I thought, 'What the heck, what's the big deal?' If I had to go back and start over with the mentality I have now, I probably wouldn't make it.

"I'm aware of the expectations and how hard it is to win. It's a unique franchise and something that we all know, there are only a few in professional sports like this one. It's a tough job. To be the quarterback in Green Bay and have success is very difficult. I'm proof it can be done."

At his Hattiesburg, Miss. home last night, Favre watched some of the coverage of his retirement. He said that it gave him some perspective on life.

"I've realized what it's like to die," he said.

Favre -- as well as his wife, Deanna -- expressed their gratitude to the fans for their support over the last 16 years, on the field and off.

"People have said, 'He's like one of us,'" Favre said. "Well, I am. I just play professional football. It's a different job, but we are regular people."

"I have to thank the fans. When me and my family laughed, they laughed. When we cried, they cried ... It was a perfect fit. There is no better place to play."

Deanna said the couple plans to take a year off, out of the spotlight. The annual charity softball game at Fox Cities Stadium will not be held this year.

"We're just tired," Deanna said.

After Thursday, they've got plenty of time to rest.