Emotional Favre says 'it's over'

GREEN BAY, Wis., March 6 (UPI) -- Green Bay quarterback Brett Favre, in an emotional news conference Thursday, said his football career was "over, as hard as that is for me to say."

Favre told the Packers Tuesday that he was retiring after 17 years in the NFL -- 16 with Green Bay. He leaves the league as the all-time leader in several categories, including touchdown passes and passing yardage.

His most remarkable statistic, however, may be his 253 consecutive games starting at quarterback. But the desire that kept him getting on the field during that string seems to have flagged.

"I've given everything I possibly could give to this organization. I don't think I've got anything left to give," Favre said. "I know I can play. But I don't think I want to, and that's what it really comes down to."

Favre stopped more than once to compose himself as he thanked his family, the Packers' organization and his fans. But he left no doubt that at age 38, he was finished playing football.

He said: "Fishing for different answers and 'What ifs?' and 'Will he come back?' things like that. What matters is it's been a great career for me and it's over, as hard as that is for me to say."