Exit Stage Left

Prelude - Is it to be believed? Does another great athlete exit stage left? Most times, athletes have a lot of trouble retiring at the top of their game. In this case the impending announcement appeared to be dragging on over a couple of years. Even now, after a particular brilliant season, will he, in fact, stay true to his word? Let's explore this idea and the great career of Brett Favre.

Sport - Football

Event - Brett Favre announces his retirement from NFL football.

Point to say - "Did you hear that Brett Favre (pronounced fɑrv) retired yesterday?"

Follow up point - "Will Green Bay be able to repeat their season of last year? (or) Do you really think he'll stay retired?"

Get out of the conversation - "Your kid's hockey season still going?"

Backgrounder
Who is Brett Favre? In American football over the last 15 years, he is mentioned as one of the top quaterbacks in the game. He is a sure fire member of the Football Hall of Fame. He has set numerous quaterback records over his 17 year career.

His two biggest accomplishments:

• Favre is the only three-time AP MVP (1995-97) in NFL history and
• He led the Packers to two Super Bowls:

Analysis
Great athletes only know athletics. That's all they've done. It has to be quite something to walk away from all that they know. This is why some athletes hang on until they are liabilities on their team. Some walk away but then come back. In the case of Favre, he hadn't had many good seasons within the last five, so it surely looked like he had hung too long. Turns out his last season was one of his best ever. Also, last season pass numerous key career milestones.

So, now that the records are set, does it make sense that he his mentally tired (as he is quoted saying in the papers)? Have all the challenges been overcome?

Here's betting that he's on his way to the Hall of Fame rather than the Field of Play. That, yes, he's done what he can and its time to join the ranks of tv announcing.

Links
Article on retirement.