Brett Favre Hall of Fame Induction: Green Bay Packers Honor Former Star Quarterback
The Green Bay Packers honor former star quarterback Brett Favre with a Hall of Fame induction.
The Packers announced on Twitter that Favre's number "4" Packers jersey has also been retired in relation to his induction.
The 11-time Pro-Bowl football player received a warm welcome from Packers fans upon his return to the Lambeau field after five years, on Saturday night's ceremony, noted Green Bay Press Gazette.
It was just like coming home for the three-time MVP player who had a "messy separation" with the Green Bay football team in 2008. His leaving became even more hurtful to many fans when just a year later, he donned a Minnesota Vikings uniform after a supposed second retirement and served two losses for his former team, added the Gazette.
However, the intense cheering from the crowd that reportedly consisted of 67,000 fans sealed that past behind.
The retired Packers QB was humbled and rendered emotional by the fans' showing of undying support. It was even highlighted by more than two and a half minutes of standing ovation, reported ESPN.
"I have to admit, I'm a little bit embarrassed that all this is for me. I really am. I loved to play football. I dreamed of playing football. I dreamed of playing in the Super Bowl. I never dreamed of standing here before you in a moment like this. This is way beyond what I dreamed of, and I am so honored," Favre said, as quoted by the sports site.
On his legacy to the team, Favre said, "What we did, I know, is very special. It's not four Super Bowls, but in my mind it's equally as important because... a resurgence, if you will, of this organization," as quoted by NFL.com.
This is a real important legacy brought about by Favre's arrival in Green Bay. The Packers had only received their last Super Bowl win under Vince Lombardi in 1967, and in 25 years prior to Favre's era, the team only managed to have two playoff appearances.
Even the former Packers general manager Ron Wolf regarded his decision to acquire the services of Mike Holmgren as head coach as well as trading Favre in 1992 as very fruitful. Wolf stated that these decisions ultimately paved way for "the rebirth of without question the greatest franchise in professional sports."
For Favre, though, who appeared in two Super Bowls and led the packers to one victory, he dedicated the Hall of Fame honor to the team's loyal and ardent fans themselves.
"Believe me, I have played elsewhere, there is absolutely nothing like this place. Where else can you can get this many people in a stadium when there's not a game?" said Favre, the sixth player to have a number retired by the Green Bay team.
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