Brett Favre facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Brett Favre

Favre at Super Bowl 50 in 2016
No. 4
Position:	Quarterback
Personal information
Born:	(1969-10-10) October 10, 1969 (age 55) Gulfport, Mississippi, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:	222 lb (101 kg)
Career information
High school:	Hancock North Central (Kiln, Mississippi)
College:	Southern Miss (1987–1990)
NFL Draft:	1991 / Round: 2 / Pick: 33
Career history
As player:
Atlanta Falcons (1991) Green Bay Packers (1992–2007) New York Jets (2008) Minnesota Vikings (2009–2010)
As coach:
Oak Grove HS (MS) (2012–2013) Offensive coordinator
Career highlights and awards
Super Bowl champion (XXXI) 3× NFL Most Valuable Player (1995–1997) NFL Offensive Player of the Year (1995) 3× First-team All-Pro (1995–1997) 3× Second-team All-Pro (2001, 2002, 2007) 11× Pro Bowl (1992, 1993, 1995–1997, 2001–2003, 2007–2009) 4× NFL passing touchdowns leader (1995–1997, 2003) 2× NFL passing yards leader (1995, 1998) NFL completion percentage leader (1998) NFL 1990s All-Decade Team NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year (2007) 2× Bert Bell Award (1995, 1996) 1990 Second Team All-South Independent(1990) Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame Green Bay Packers No. 4 retired Southern Miss Golden Eagles No. 4 retired Longest touchdown pass: 99 yards (tied) Most consecutive starts: 297 (321 including playoffs)
Career NFL statistics
Pass attempts: 10,169 Pass completions: 6,300 Completion percentage: 62.0% TD–INT: 508–336 Passing yards: 71,838 Passer rating: 86.0
Player stats at PFR
Pro Football Hall of Fame

Brett Lorenzo Favre (farv; born October 10, 1969) is a famous American former football quarterback. He played in the National Football League (NFL) for 20 seasons. Most of his career was with the Green Bay Packers.

Favre is known for his amazing "Iron Man" streak. He started 321 games in a row, including 297 regular season games. This is the most consecutive starts in NFL history. He was also the first NFL quarterback to reach 70,000 passing yards, 10,000 passes, 6,000 completions, and 500 touchdowns. He also beat all 32 NFL teams during his career.

He played college football for the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles. The Atlanta Falcons drafted him in 1991. After one season, he was traded to the Packers. He quickly became their starting quarterback in 1992. Favre helped the Packers become a winning team again.

During his 16 seasons with Green Bay, he led them to 11 playoff appearances. They won seven division titles and played in four NFC Championship Games. He led them to two Super Bowls, winning Super Bowl XXXI in 1997. This was the team's first championship in almost 30 years.

Favre was traded to the New York Jets in 2008 for one season. He then played his last two seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. In 2009, he led the Vikings to a division title and an NFC Championship Game. He had one of his best seasons that year.

When he retired, Favre held NFL records for passing yards, passing touchdowns, and quarterback wins. He also holds the record for most interceptions thrown. He was named Most Valuable Player three times in a row (1995–1997). He was also selected for the Pro Bowl 11 times. Favre was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016.

Early Life and High School Football

Favre grew up in the small Mississippi gulf town of Kiln.

Brett Favre was born in Gulfport, Mississippi, on October 10, 1969. He grew up in the small town of Kiln. His parents, Bonita and Irvin, were both schoolteachers. Brett has some French and Choctaw Native American heritage.

He was the second of four children. Brett went to Hancock North Central High School. There, he played baseball and football. He was a strong baseball player from eighth grade. In football, he played many positions. His father, Irvin Favre, was the head coach.

Favre spent his early years on the North Central Hancock High School football field, where his throwing ability led to a Southern Miss. scholarship.

Brett played quarterback, but his father's team mostly ran the ball. Brett rarely threw more than five passes in a game. However, a coach from Southern Mississippi, Mark McHale, saw him throw. McHale was amazed by Brett's arm strength. He said the ball "had smoke and flames coming off it." This led to Brett getting a college scholarship.

College Career at Southern Miss

Southern Mississippi offered Favre his only football scholarship. They wanted him to play defensive back, but Favre insisted on playing quarterback. He started his freshman year as the seventh-string quarterback. But he became the starter in the third game of the season.

Favre led the Golden Eagles to a comeback win in that game. He threw two touchdown passes. He started ten games his freshman year and won six of them. In his junior year, Favre led his team to an upset victory over #6 Florida State. He threw the game-winning touchdown pass with only 23 seconds left.

A serious car accident happened on July 14, 1990, before his senior year. Favre lost control of his car, and it flipped three times. Doctors had to remove part of his small intestine. Just eight weeks later, Favre led Southern Miss to another comeback win against Alabama. The Alabama coach, Gene Stallings, called it a "miracle."

Favre held many Southern Miss football records for a long time. He had 15 games with over 200 passing yards. Five of those were 300-yard games, which was a school record. He also led the team in total passing and total offense for all four of his seasons. Favre earned a teaching degree in special education.

College Statistics

Professional Career

Atlanta Falcons (1991)

Favre spent his rookie season as the Falcons' third-string quarterback behind Chris Miller and Billy Joe Tolliver.

The Atlanta Falcons drafted Favre in the second round of the 1991 NFL Draft. He signed a three-year contract. Atlanta's coach, Jerry Glanville, didn't want Favre. He said it would take a plane crash for Favre to play. Favre only threw four passes in his one season with the Falcons. He was intercepted twice and completed none.

Green Bay Packers (1992–2007)

On February 11, 1992, the Green Bay Packers traded for Favre. Their general manager, Ron Wolf, really wanted him. Doctors found a hip condition that could end his career. But Wolf ignored the doctors and completed the trade.

Favre played 16 seasons for the Packers. He was the first and only NFL player to win three straight MVP awards. He led the Packers to two Super Bowls. They won Super Bowl XXXI and lost Super Bowl XXXII. Favre started every Packers game from September 20, 1992, to January 20, 2008. This was a streak of 253 games. His streak continued after he left the Packers, reaching 297 regular season games. This is still the NFL record for consecutive starts.

Starting Strong (1992–1994)

In his second game as a Packer in 1992, Favre came in at halftime. The team was losing 17–0. He struggled at first, but then led a game-winning drive. He threw a 42-yard pass and then a touchdown with 13 seconds left. Favre kept the starting job from then on. The next game started his NFL record for consecutive starts.

In 1993, Favre led the Packers to their first playoffs since 1982. He was named to his second Pro Bowl. In the playoffs, he threw for 204 yards and three touchdowns in a win. The Packers made the playoffs again in 1994. Favre signed a new five-year, $19 million contract.

MVP Seasons and Super Bowl Win (1995–1997)

Favre (in a brown suit) with teammate Reggie White presenting President Bill Clinton with a Packers jacket in a May 1997 ceremony following the Packers' Super Bowl victory that year

In 1995, Favre won his first MVP award. He led the Packers to an 11–5 record, their best in almost 30 years. He threw for 4,413 yards and 38 touchdowns. The Packers reached the NFC Championship Game but lost to the Dallas Cowboys.

In 1996, Favre won his second straight MVP award. The Packers had their best season in 30 years with a 13–3 record. They led the NFL in points scored and fewest points allowed. Favre threw for 3,899 yards and a career-high 39 touchdowns.

The Packers won their playoff games easily. They advanced to Super Bowl XXXI. In the Super Bowl, Favre threw for 246 yards and two touchdowns. He threw a 54-yard touchdown on the second play of the game. He also had an 81-yard touchdown pass. The Packers won Super Bowl XXXI against the New England Patriots, 35–21.

Favre won his third straight MVP award in 1997. The Packers had another great season with a 13–3 record. They reached the Super Bowl again, Super Bowl XXXII. However, they lost to the Denver Broncos, 31–24. This ended the NFC's 13-year Super Bowl winning streak. Super Bowl XXXII was Favre's last Super Bowl appearance.

Later Packers Years (1998–2007)

Favre in 1998

In 1998, the Packers lost in the playoffs to the San Francisco 49ers. Favre led the Packers to an NFL record 29 straight home wins. This streak included both regular season and playoff games.

In 2001, Favre signed a 10-year contract worth about $100 million. By the end of his tenth year as a starter, he had thrown 287 touchdown passes. This was over 100 more than the next closest quarterback.

Favre faced personal challenges during these years. His father passed away in December 2003. The next day, Favre played an amazing game against the Oakland Raiders. He threw four touchdowns in the first half and 399 total yards. The Packers won 41–7. Favre said he knew his dad would want him to play.

Favre dropping back for a pass during the 2004 season.

In 2004, Favre's brother-in-law died in an accident. Soon after, his wife, Deanna, was diagnosed with breast cancer. She recovered after treatment. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina destroyed his family's home in Mississippi. Despite these difficulties, Favre continued to play.

Favre, third from the left; his wife Deanna, second from the left; and First Lady Laura Bush, third from the right; attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Kiln, Mississippi, after Hurricane Katrina

The 2005 season was tough for Favre and the Packers. He threw 20 touchdowns but also 29 interceptions. Many thought he would retire, but he decided to return for 2006.

Favre in 2006

In 2006, Favre became the second quarterback to throw 400 touchdown passes. He also became the first player to complete 5,000 passes in his career. He finished the season with 3,885 passing yards.

In 2007, Favre set new NFL records. He got his 149th win, passing John Elway. He also threw his 421st touchdown pass, breaking Dan Marino's record. Favre became only the third quarterback to defeat all 31 other NFL teams.

Favre with the Packers in 2007

Favre led the Packers to a 13–3 record in 2007. They won the NFC North division. In the playoffs, they beat the Seattle Seahawks. But they lost a close game in overtime to the New York Giants in the NFC Championship. Favre's 90-yard touchdown pass was the longest in Packers playoff history.

Retirement and Return (2008)

After the 2007 season, there was much talk about Favre retiring. On March 4, 2008, he announced his retirement. He said he knew he could still play but didn't want to anymore. However, in July 2008, Favre contacted the Packers about returning. The Packers had already decided to move forward with Aaron Rodgers as their new quarterback. Favre asked to be released so he could play for another team.

New York Jets (2008)

Favre with the Jets in November 2008

On August 7, 2008, the Packers traded Favre to the New York Jets. In his first game with the Jets, he threw two touchdowns in a win. In Week 4, he threw six touchdowns against the Arizona Cardinals. This was his personal best. By Week 12, the Jets had an 8–3 record. But they lost four of their last five games. Favre had shoulder pain and a torn biceps tendon. In February 2009, Favre told the Jets he was retiring again.

Minnesota Vikings (2009–2010)

NFC Championship Run (2009)

Favre during the 2010 season with the Vikings

After more speculation, Favre signed with the Minnesota Vikings on August 18, 2009. In Week 4, he played against his former team, the Green Bay Packers. He threw three touchdowns in a 30–23 victory. With this win, he became the first quarterback to defeat all 32 NFL franchises.

Favre led the Vikings to a 6–0 start. In Week 8, he faced the Packers at Lambeau Field. He threw four touchdowns in a 38–26 victory. He finished the 2009 season with 4,202 passing yards, 33 touchdowns, and only seven interceptions. This was one of his best seasons ever. He was named to his 11th Pro Bowl.

The Vikings finished with a 12–4 record and earned a first-round bye in the playoffs. They beat the Dallas Cowboys in the Divisional Round. They advanced to the NFC Championship, but lost in overtime to the New Orleans Saints. Favre set playoff records for pass completions and passing yards.

Final Season (2010)

On August 3, 2010, Favre confirmed he would return to the Vikings for one final season. He reached two more milestones that year. He threw his 500th touchdown and reached 70,000 career passing yards. On November 7, 2010, he threw for a career-high 446 yards. He led the Vikings to an overtime win after being down by 14 points.

On December 13, 2010, Favre missed a game due to a shoulder injury. This ended his amazing streak of 297 consecutive regular-season starts. His total streak, including playoffs, was 321 games. On December 20, 2010, Favre suffered a concussion in a game against the Chicago Bears. This was his final NFL game.

Favre at the 2008 Military Appreciation Weekend

On January 2, 2011, Favre announced his retirement from professional football. He officially filed his retirement papers on January 17, 2011.

Post-NFL Health and Career

In 2013, Favre was asked to return to the NFL for the St. Louis Rams. He turned down the offer. He mentioned that he had experienced memory loss. He feared it was related to the many concussions he had during his career.

In 2021, Favre appeared in a public service announcement. He urged parents not to let children play tackle football before age 14. He said he questions his own health due to fears about the long-term effects of his playing career. In 2024, he shared that he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

After retiring, Favre worked as an analyst for his college team, Southern Miss. He also joined the NFL Network for Super Bowl coverage.

Career Achievements

Honors and Awards

Favre's number was retired by the Packers in 2015.

Favre has received many awards and honors:

• 3× Associated Press Most Valuable Player (MVP) (1995, 1996, and 1997)
• NFL Offensive Player of the Year (1995)
• 11× Pro Bowl selection (1992, 1993, 1995–1997, 2001–2003, 2007–2009)
• 3× First-team All-Pro selection (1995–1997)
• NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
• NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
• Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2016
• Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame class of 2015

Records and Milestones

Favre with the Vikings in 2009. He also achieved records there.

Favre holds several NFL records, including:

• Most consecutive games started "Iron Man" streak: 297 (321 including playoffs)
• Most pass interceptions: 336

He also holds many team records for the Packers, Vikings, and Jets. Favre was the first quarterback to win three straight NFL MVP awards. He was also the first quarterback to defeat all 32 NFL teams. He was the first quarterback to win a playoff game after turning 40.

Cold Weather Success

Favre was known for playing well in cold weather. He had a record of 44–17 in games where the temperature was below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. He won his first 35 home games with the Packers when the temperature was 34 degrees Fahrenheit or less.

NFL Rivalry Records

Favre had great success against his division rivals. He won an NFL record 11 straight road games against the Chicago Bears. He also had a perfect 19–0 record against the Detroit Lions at home.

Consecutive Starts Streak

Favre's jersey exhibited at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017

Favre's "Iron Man" streak began on September 27, 1992. He never missed a game for over 18 and a half seasons. He holds the record for the most consecutive starts by any NFL player with 297. This is one of only four quarterback streaks of at least 200 consecutive games. Favre has said he is most proud of this achievement.

During his streak, 238 other quarterbacks started in the NFL. Eighteen of them were Favre's backups at some point. The Pro Football Hall of Fame has an exhibit dedicated to his "Iron Man" streak. His streak ended on December 13, 2010, due to a shoulder injury.

NFL Career Statistics

Regular Season

Postseason

Personal Life

Family and Coaching

Deanna Favre in 2007

Favre married Deanna Tynes on July 14, 1996. They have two daughters, Brittany and Breleigh. Brittany gave birth to his first grandchild while he was still playing. This made him one of the few active NFL players with grandchildren.

Favre's mother, Bonita, helps manage his business and charity work. In 2004, Brett and Bonita released a book called Favre. It talks about their family and Brett's football career.

In 2012, Favre became the offensive coordinator for Oak Grove High School. In 2013, the team won the Class 6A Mississippi high school state championship. He continued to help the team but stopped being the offensive coordinator in 2014.

Charitable Work

Favre in 2011

Favre started the Brett Favre Fourward Foundation in 1996. The foundation has given over $2 million to charities. These charities are in his home state of Mississippi and in Wisconsin.

He also works with children who are ill. The Make a Wish Foundation gave him the Chris Greicius Celebrity Award. He often responds to requests from children with serious illnesses.

Business and Entertainment

In 1999, Favre worked with NASCAR driver Dale Jarrett. They ran a racing team called Jarrett/Favre Motorsports for two seasons.

The Favre family used to own a restaurant in Green Bay, Wisconsin. It was called Brett Favre's Steakhouse and later the "Hall of Fame Chophouse." It is now closed.

In 2013, Favre joined the board of directors for Sqor. This is a sports social media platform. He helps with product ideas and business interests.

Favre had a small role in the 1998 romantic comedy movie There's Something About Mary.

Endorsements and Politics

Favre golfing with President Donald Trump in July 2020

Favre has been a spokesperson for many companies. These include Nike, Snapper, Remington, Sears, and MasterCard. He has also appeared in commercials for Copper Fit and Hyundai.

Favre has supported some political figures. He endorsed Republican U.S. Senator Thad Cochran in 2014. Favre has said he does not belong to a specific political party. For the 2020 United States presidential election, Favre supported President Donald Trump. He has also appeared at campaign events for Trump.

Religion

Favre is a Roman Catholic. He believes his faith has helped him through tough times in his life.

See also

In Spanish: Brett Favre para niños