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 NFL records 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 (ⁱ/fɑːrv/ 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 streak of 321 consecutive starts. This includes 297 regular season games. It is the longest streak in NFL history. He was also the first NFL quarterback to reach many milestones. These include 70,000 passing yards and 500 touchdowns. He also beat all 32 NFL teams.

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. He helped turn the team around.

During his 16 seasons with Green Bay, he led them to 11 playoff appearances. They won seven division titles. They also played in two Super Bowls. The Packers won Super Bowl XXXI, their first championship in almost 30 years.

Favre was traded to the New York Jets in 2008. He played there for one year. He then spent his last two seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. In 2009, he led the Vikings to a division title. He also had one of his best seasons.

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

In 2022, Favre faced questions about money meant for welfare programs. He denied any wrongdoing.

Growing Up and High School Football

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

Brett Favre was born in Gulfport, Mississippi. He grew up in the small town of Kiln. Both of his parents, Bonita and Irvin, were schoolteachers. Brett has some French heritage. One of his ancestors was Simon Favre. Simon was an important person in Spanish West Florida. Brett's family also has Choctaw Native American roots.

Brett was the second of four children. He went to Hancock North Central High School. There, he played baseball and football. He was a great baseball player, starting in eighth grade. In football, he played many positions. He was a quarterback, lineman, strong safety, placekicker, and punter. 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.

His father's team mostly ran the ball. Brett rarely threw more than five passes in a game. But his arm was very strong. A coach from Southern Mississippi, Mark McHale, came to watch him. McHale saw Favre throw a pass that looked like it had "smoke and flames coming off it." This amazing throw led to Favre getting a college scholarship.

College Football Journey

After high school, Southern Mississippi offered Favre a football scholarship. It was the only one he received. The school wanted him to play defensive back. But Favre really wanted to be a quarterback.

He started his freshman year as the seventh-string quarterback. But he became the starter in the third game of the year. This was against Tulane in 1987. Favre led his team to a comeback win. He threw two touchdown passes. He started ten games that year and won six of them.

In his junior year, Favre led the Golden Eagles to a big upset. They beat #6 Florida State in 1989. Favre threw the game-winning touchdown pass with only 23 seconds left.

On July 14, 1990, before his senior year, Favre had a serious car accident. His car flipped three times. Doctors had to remove part of his small intestine. But just eight weeks later, Favre led Southern Miss to another comeback win. This time it was 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. He also had five games with over 300 passing yards. He 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

NFL Career Highlights

Atlanta Falcons (1991)

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

The Atlanta Falcons picked Favre in the second round of the 1991 NFL draft. He signed a three-year contract. The Falcons' coach, Jerry Glanville, did not want Favre on the team. Favre played only two games for Atlanta. He attempted four passes and had two interceptions.

Green Bay Packers (1992–2007)

On February 11, 1992, the Green Bay Packers traded for Favre. Their general manager, Ron Wolf, really wanted him. Favre played 16 seasons for the Packers. He became a legend there.

Favre was the first and only NFL player to win three MVP awards in a row. 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.

Early Success (1992–1994)

In his second game with the Packers in 1992, Favre took over as quarterback. He led a thrilling comeback win against the Cincinnati Bengals. He threw the game-winning touchdown pass with only 13 seconds left. Favre then became the permanent starter. This started his record-breaking streak of consecutive starts. He finished his first Packers season with over 3,200 yards. He was also selected for his first Pro Bowl.

In 1993, Favre led the Packers to the playoffs. This was their first playoff trip since 1982. He was named to his second Pro Bowl. The Packers made the playoffs again in 1994. They had not done that since the Vince Lombardi era.

MVP Awards and Super Bowl Wins (1995–1997)

Favre during a meeting with President Bill Clinton in a May 1997 ceremony following the Packers' Super Bowl victory that year

In 1995, Favre won his first of three MVP awards. He led the Packers to an 11–5 record. This was their best record in almost 30 years. He threw for a career-high 4,413 yards and 38 touchdowns. The Packers reached the NFC Championship Game. They lost to the Dallas Cowboys.

In 1996, Favre led the Packers to an even better season. He won his second straight MVP award. The Packers were the best team in the NFL. They led the league 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. They then went to Super Bowl XXXI. This game was close to Favre's hometown. In the Super Bowl, Favre threw two touchdown passes. One was for 54 yards, and another for 81 yards. The Packers won Super Bowl XXXI against the New England Patriots, 35–21.

Favre and the Packers continued to be strong in 1997. Favre won his third straight MVP award. He shared it with Detroit Lions running back Barry Sanders. The Packers finished with a 13–3 record. They reached the Super Bowl for the second year in a row. However, they lost Super Bowl XXXII to the Denver Broncos. This ended the NFC's long Super Bowl winning streak. It was Favre's last Super Bowl appearance.

Later Packers Years (1998–2007)

Favre in 1998

Favre led the Packers to an NFL record of 29 straight home wins. This streak ended in 1998. The Packers lost in the playoffs that year. They failed to reach the NFC Championship for the first time since 1994.

In 2001, Favre signed a big 10-year contract. In the last game of 2001, Favre was involved in a play that helped Michael Strahan set an NFL sack record. Favre fell down easily, which caused some talk.

By the end of his tenth year as a starter, Favre had thrown 287 touchdown passes. This was over 100 more than any other quarterback in that time. The Packers continued to have good seasons. They made the playoffs in 2002 and 2003.

Personal Challenges (2003–2006)

One day after his father passed away in December 2003, Favre played in a Monday Night Football game. He decided to play because he knew his dad would want him to. Favre had an amazing game. He threw four touchdowns in the first half. He finished with 399 total yards in a 41–7 win. He said, "I knew that my dad would have wanted me to play."

Favre dropping back for a pass during the 2004 season.

In 2004, Favre's wife, Deanna Favre, was diagnosed with breast cancer. She recovered after treatment. She later started a foundation to help women with breast cancer.

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

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina destroyed his family's home in Mississippi. But no one in his family was hurt. Favre continued to play that season. He had a tough year with many interceptions. Many people thought he would retire. But he decided to play in 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. He finished the season with 3,885 passing yards.

Record-Breaking Season (2007)

Favre had a great season in 2007. On September 16, he won his 149th game. This broke John Elway's record for most wins by a quarterback. On September 30, he threw his 421st touchdown pass. This broke Dan Marino's all-time record.

Favre with the Packers in 2007

On November 4, 2007, Favre became only the third quarterback to beat all 31 other NFL teams. He led the Packers to a 13–3 record. They won their division. In the playoffs, Favre threw three touchdowns against the Seattle Seahawks. The Packers won 42–20. Their season ended in the NFC Championship Game. They lost in overtime to the New York Giants.

Retirement and Comebacks (2008)

After the 2007 season, Favre thought about retiring. On March 4, 2008, he officially announced his retirement. He cried at his press conference. He said he didn't want to play anymore.

But in July 2008, Favre wanted to return. He asked the Packers to release him. This would let him play for another team. The Packers did not want to release him. They had already decided that Aaron Rodgers would be their new quarterback. Favre felt his relationship with the Packers was too broken to return.

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 Week 4, he threw six touchdowns against the Arizona Cardinals. This was his personal best. The Jets started the season well. But they lost four of their last five games. Favre had shoulder pain. He announced his retirement again in February 2009.

Minnesota Vikings (2009–2010)

NFC Championship Run (2009)

Favre during the 2010 season with the Vikings

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

Favre led the Vikings to a 12–4 record. He had a great season with 4,202 passing yards and 33 touchdowns. He was chosen for his 11th Pro Bowl. The Vikings won their first playoff game. They then reached the NFC Championship. They lost in overtime to the New Orleans Saints.

Final Season (2010)

Favre returned to the Vikings for the 2010 season. He said it would be his last. That season, he reached two more milestones. He threw his 500th touchdown and reached 70,000 passing yards. On December 5, 2010, Favre hurt his shoulder. He missed the rest of that game.

On December 13, 2010, Favre missed a game due to his injury. This ended his amazing streak of 297 consecutive regular-season starts. He had started a total of 321 games, including playoffs. On December 20, 2010, Favre got a concussion. This was his last 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.

Life After Football

Health and Awareness

In 2013, Favre was asked to return to the NFL. He said no. He mentioned that he had experienced memory loss. He worried it was related to the many concussions he had during his career.

In 2021, Favre appeared in a public service announcement (PSA). He urged parents not to let young children play tackle football. He said he sometimes wonders about his own brain health. On September 24, 2024, Favre shared that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

Coaching and Charity Work

In 2012, Favre became the offensive coordinator for Oak Grove High School. He helped the team win a state championship in 2013. He continued to help the team but stopped being the offensive coordinator in 2014.

Favre started the Brett Favre Fourward Foundation in 1996. This foundation has given over $2 million to charities. These charities are in Mississippi and Wisconsin. Favre also works with the Make a Wish Foundation. He helps children with serious illnesses.

Business and Endorsements

Favre has been a spokesperson for many companies. These include Nike, Sears, and Wrangler jeans. He has also appeared in TV ads for Copper Fit.

Politics

Favre golfing with President Donald Trump in July 2020

Favre has supported some political figures. He endorsed Thad Cochran in a 2014 election. He 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 spoken about his views on leadership.

Faith

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

Career Achievements and Records

Honors and Awards

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

Favre has received many awards:

• 3× Associated Press Most Valuable Player (MVP) (1995, 1996, and 1997)
• NFL Offensive Player of the Year (1995)
• 11× Pro Bowl selection
• 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:

• Most consecutive games started: 297 (321 including playoffs)
• Most pass interceptions: 336

He also holds many team records for the Packers, Vikings, and Jets. Favre is the only quarterback to win three NFL MVP awards in a row. He was the first quarterback to beat all 32 NFL teams. He was also the first quarterback over age 40 to win a playoff game.

Success in Cold Weather

Favre was known for playing well in cold weather. He had a record of 44–17 in games when 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.

Rivalry Records

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

Consecutive Starts Streak

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

Favre's "Iron Man" streak is one of his most famous achievements. He never missed a game from September 27, 1992, to December 5, 2010. This streak lasted over 18 seasons. He holds the record for the most consecutive starts by any NFL player. The Pro Football Hall of Fame has an exhibit about his "Iron Man" streak.

During his streak, many other quarterbacks started in the NFL. But Favre kept playing. His streak ended on December 13, 2010. He could not play due to a shoulder injury.

NFL Career Statistics

Regular Season Performance

Postseason Performance

Images for kids

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

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

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

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  Favre during a meeting with President Bill Clinton in a May 1997 ceremony following the Packers' Super Bowl victory that year

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  Favre in 1998

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  Favre dropping back for a pass during the 2004 season.

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  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

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  Favre in 2006

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  Favre with the Packers in 2007

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  Favre with the Jets in November 2008

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  Favre during the 2010 season with the Vikings

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  Favre at the 2008 Military Appreciation Weekend

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

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

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

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  Deanna Favre in 2007

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  Favre in 2011

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  Favre golfing with President Donald Trump in July 2020

See also

In Spanish: Brett Favre para niños