Broadway Brett: Favre Traded To N.Y. Jets

Green Bay Packers Reach Trade Agreement With Jets For Unretired Quarterback

(AP)  The Green Bay Packers have reached an agreement to trade quarterback Brett Favre to the New York Jets, the team announced late Wednesday night. Terms of the trade weren't immediately available.

The Packers had been talking with the Jets and Tampa Bay Buccaneers since deciding earlier this week that the team could no longer co-exist with one of the most beloved players in franchise history.

The Packers decided to move forward with Aaron Rodgers as their starter after Favre announced his retirement in March. Given their commitment to Rodgers, team officials weren't particularly receptive when Favre decided a little over a month ago that he might want to play after all - the latest development in several years' worth of flip-flopping about his football future.

"Brett has had a long and storied career in Green Bay, and the Packers owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude for everything he accomplished on the field and for the impact he made in the state," Green Bay officials said in a statement.

"It is with some sadness that we make this announcement, but also with the desire for certainty that will allow us to move the team and organization forward in the most positive way possible."

Jets chairman and CEO Woody Johnson issued a statement early Thursday.

"I am looking forward to seeing Brett Favre in a New York Jets uniform," Johnson said. "He represents a significant addition to this franchise, and reflects our commitment to putting the best possible product on the field. Mike Tannenbaum and his football administration staff did a great job of navigating this complex process. I am excited about welcoming Brett, Deanna and their family to the Jets organization."

The agreement was first reported by Fox Sports on its Web site.

Favre's new No. 4 Jets jersey already was for sale on the team's Web site about an hour after the trade was announced.

Favre left Green Bay on Wednesday, boarding a private plane that left for Hattiesburg, Miss. at 1:25 p.m. EDT with Deanna and agent James "Bus" Cook. Favre's family home is near Hattiesburg.

In Mississippi, Favre confirmed that he was considering the Jets and Buccaneers.

"We're working on it," Favre told Jackson TV station WJTV. "Hopefully, we can get something resolved. I've been saying that for quite a while now. I don't want to say we're running out of time, but I need to get into a camp somewhere."

The 38-year-old Favre holds most major NFL passing records and led the Packers to the NFC Championship last season, where they lost to the New York Giants. But Favre threw what would prove to be the decisive interception in overtime.

The Jets went into training camp with an open competition between Chad Pennington and Kellen Clemens after neither established themselves during a 4-12 season. Pennington was 1-7 as the starter and was benched midway through the season. Clemens went 3-5, but Pennington actually had the better season statistically.

With Favre's arrival, it's generally believed that one of the two will be traded or released - with the most likely candidate being Pennington.

After some hope for reconciliation between the franchise and perhaps its most beloved player earlier this week, the final split between the Packers and Favre became obvious Tuesday evening.

Packers coach Mike McCarthy told reporters on Tuesday that after approximately six hours of what he called "brutally honest" conversations over two days, the coach had determined that Favre doesn't have the right mind-set to play for the Packers.

McCarthy said Favre couldn't seem to get past emotional wounds that were opened as tensions mounted in recent weeks - even with the chance to win his starting job back potentially on the table.

"The train has left the station, whatever analogy you want," McCarthy said Tuesday. "He needs to jump on the train and let's go. Or, if we can't get past things that have happened, I have to keep the train moving."

McCarthy spoke to Favre again Tuesday night, but there was no indication that their conversation did anything to change the fractured relationship between Favre and the franchise.

"It was just very general," McCarthy said of the conversation with Favre, who was excused from practice Wednesday. "Just how he was doing, where he was with the process, things like that."

McCarthy said he was happy the rest of his players were getting a chance to move forward.

"We talked about it last night," McCarthy said. "The players want resolution, they want what everybody wants. To come out here every day and talk about somebody that is not here and then shows up, it's gone on too long, and understandably so. They want to play football."

Packers players vented frustration over the lingering Favre situation Tuesday, after fans chanting "Bring Back Brett!" turned practice into a zoo-like atmosphere and reporters continued asking questions about Favre instead of football.

After McCarthy made it clear that Favre's football future wouldn't be in Green Bay, players seemed to have some sense of closure.

Packers cornerback Charles Woodson - who said Tuesday that the saga had "gone on long enough" - said Wednesday that the Packers' front office gave players the answers they needed.

"From what I understand, for the most part it's taken care of," Woodson said. "Now it's just about the Packers and not about the situation. It's over now. From what I understand, it's pretty much over."

Tampa Bay is the loser in this sweepstakes becomes the long term winner.

[eezew70]

I hope favre is happy now and greenbay need to move on with two great quarterbacks behind them. It''s time to shine Brian Brohm!

[grammawhamma]

I live in Wisconsin...thank God this drama is over. Brett we loved you and we cried with you when you gave your farewell press conference. But enough is enough...you play more mind games than you played football games.

Favre seems like an excellent presidential candidate. He is a leader and good at what he does...but flip flops as it suits him.

Favre 2012??

[haoli25]

Look for heads to roll in Green Bay after the upcoming losing season.

I wish you had stayed retired, Brett.

[apprxam]

Yeah...a Quarterback change isn''t going to fix the Jets'' real problems: COACHING. Mangini with his assine 3/4 defense and Schottenheimer''s predictable and inane offensive schemes aren''t going to be helped by the venerable Farve.

Just like with Edwards before, the Jets haven''t had a real coach since Parcells (Maybe Al Groh) and the player on the feild can''t outlast the poor game plans that this coaching always seems to implement. Was Pennington the answer? Probably not, but he wasn''t the problem.

[apprxam]

Green Bay did what they had to. Favre staying a year or two would''ve driven AR out next season, and they obviously think the kid can play, but his constant vacillation for the past couple of season drove them crazy. There can be no doubt that the Packers wanted him gone long ago.

The Jets did what they always wanted to do, and that was getting rid of Pennington and with BF coming in, this makes it less of a public relations issue with Jets fans. No now they can sell some number 4 jerseys for the next 2 years to help pay this guys highass salary. $12,000,000 x 2 = ***!!!

[eezew70]

Yeah, he sucks and is too old. I wonder how long he can hold up before his arm falls off. He needs to spend time with his family and stay home on a sunday! Give someone else a chance to shine! Go back up quarterback Brian Brohm!

[oneworldusa]

How does one trade someone who''s retired?

McCain receives retirement. I''d like to trade him in on a younger model.

[usmcvn1]

It will great if the Jets and ******* play this season and the ******* lose!!

BEAR DOWN CHICAGO BEARS!!!!

[tgun08]

Great Job Green Bay and Favre. Certified Cheesehead here and this is an embarrasment to both parties. Brett have a great so so season this year so you can retire again (like all the true great quaterbacks have done) Cant wait to booooo you when you get into the hall and you say your a packer. Great Job what joke.......Its all about winning and your both idiots

[hazelknows]

its sad when you have so much talent at the QB position and have to trade away a 3 time MVP and yet the b e a r s still start *** rexy and have knowone else to turn tooooooooooo. lovey every minute of it.
da bears still suck

[adfolder]

Bretty and the Jets

[timdgrim]

This could end up like Namath to the Rams (I know some of you were still sperm and have no idea about that, but there was football before PlayStation...) or it could end up better, like when Montana spent time with the Chiefs. We''ll see. Good luck Brett and Go Cowboys!

[whiskyrokkr]

I''m so sick of Brett Favre. He has treated his team and fan''s like $hit. Has this big whiney , crying retirement speech and for what. The whole time he knew he wasn''t going to retire. Him and his scumbag agent played the organization and fans like a fiddle. He had a chance to go out in class know he is going to play for a 1/2 a$$ team who isn''t going to do squat this year. What an idiot.

[feedback3-2009]

J3sus Brett, have some dignity.

[excoachken]

What is the news in this article? So a self-absorbed drug addict goes to NYC to wipe out. This story occurs everyday!

[slim1h2o]

Favre, just go away.

[whyafghan]

What is the news in this article? So a self-absorbed drug addict goes to NYC to wipe out. This story occurs everyday!
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Posted by excoachken

With Obama running for President - your statement is correct.

[excoachken]

Whyafghan: You really meant the Cowardly Cowboy now in Washington, right?

[fstop100]

Now he can go out as a LOSER!!!!

[piercetheval]

...Hang it up, Brett. You''ll only embarass yourself at this point.

[payasyougo]

Bret Favre,

It is difficult to know when to retire. At the top of your game makes for much better memories.

[creeper00]

"Bretty and the Jets"

Posted by adfolder at 06:02 AM : Aug 07, 2008

Too funny. Thanks for the smile to start my day.

[xmanborg]

WHO CARES

[ruby0728]

Man, bad choices all around. Favre should have accepted the marketing deal the Packers had on the table. He is destined for the Hall of Fame, that''s gonna be awkward.

[lewiston14]

I dont understand why so many people do not like him. I doubt Gb will even make the playoffs nor will the jets but it will keep him in better shape then cutting the lawn on a tractor every other day. He could have taken 20 million and lived happy ever after but maybe he don''t like sitting at home avery sunday. A poster asked how can a retire person be traded? Because he still had a 2 year contract that would have given him his own special bench warmer chair given GB stance. I live near Buffalo so I spent all last year watching them fall on their face. Least the beer and chips were cheep and it was warm with no traffic. Playing his cards right in a year he could be a pick in another divistio. Something GB must have feared

[cricketbeers]

J-E-T-S, Jets Jets Jets! Maybe now the Jets will FINALLY move through the playoffs. They''ve been screwed so many times in the past 10 years that it''s hard to hope anymore. *sigh*

[berniepeders]

WHO CARES

Posted by XmanBorg

DITTO!

[walt1944-2009]

FINALLY!!!!

After listening and watching cheesehead radio and TV for months when the only news they felt reporting in Wisconsin was the fate of Brett Favre, his fate has finally be decided.

The Packers had to trade Favre! After all, who makes the decisions for the team, who OWNS the team? Favre acted like HE OWNED "the Pack" and was telling his bosses what to do! You expect to work FOR somebody, YOU are the one who has to fit in, not them fit in with you!

Favre was all washed up anyway! He made a LOT of mistakes on the field last year and was the one responsible for losing that championship game in the "arctic" bowl at Green Bay. Besides, when a guy with a 14-2 record against the Chicago Bears gets STOMPED by the TWICE in one season, you know he''s past his prime.

Let''s see if he gets along with Jets management like he did with Green Bay. If he does, he won''t last long, even if they make him a "starter".

SIG HEIL, BUSH!!!!!!
sig heil, ABSOLUTELY MORE OF THE SAME, "DRRRRILLLLL" McCain!!!!!

[excoachken]

Hey Lewiston, People have a problem with him because he is a nacissist, an addict and a guy who backs down on his word (multiple times). Drive to New Jersey and watch him, WNY doesn''t need another closet Jets fan anyway.

[bradshaw53]

THERE WILL ALWAYS ONLY BE ONE "BROADWAY" FROM NY AND IT SURE AIN''T BRETT!!! Bretty Ford may be closer..

[whiskyrokkr]

I''m not a Packers fan by any means but I think it is time for Arron Rodgers to step up. I also think it is $hitty the way the fans treat there future QB. Now that Brett is gone for good(thank God) maybe they won''t be hating on the guy anymore.

[junkie919]

isn''t it funny that when a story about a actor or singer or musician or whatnot is posted by CBS the comment section fills up right away with bitter judgmental comments saying "this is not news", "slow news day?", or "no one really cares about these talentless hacks".... yet when CBS posts a story about an athlete or a sports figure the comments section fills up with insightful comments and true interest?
Never mind the fact that most of the professional athletes in the country are less educated and FAR less socially aware than many of the famous entertainment celebrities. (there are always exceptions)

why is it that we seem to be addicted to the news out of hollywood, yet hate everyone in it? why do we give so much more credence to athletes who really give so little back to us, and in the long run have SO much less impact on society?

[junkie919]

isn''t it funny that when a story about a actor or singer or musician or whatnot is posted by CBS the comment section fills up right away with bitter judgmental comments saying "this is not news", "slow news day?", or "no one really cares about these talentless hacks".... yet when CBS posts a story about an athlete or a sports figure the comments section fills up with insightful comments and true interest?
Never mind the fact that most of the professional athletes in the country are less educated and FAR less socially aware than many of the famous entertainment celebrities. (there are always exceptions)

why is it that we seem to be addicted to the news out of hollywood, yet hate everyone in it? why do we give so much more credence to athletes who really give so little back to us, and in the long run have SO much less impact on society?

[gopack443]

J-E-T-S, Jets Jets Jets! Maybe now the Jets will FINALLY move through the playoffs. They''''ve been screwed so many times in the past 10 years that it''''s hard to hope anymore. *sigh*


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Posted by cricketbeers




If you look at Favre''s record the last 10 years he''s good at getting to the playoffs but that''s about it. He chokes in the cold now and I don''t think New Jersey is any warmer than Green Bay in the winter.

[whiskyrokkr]

He will know what it means to run for his life now. The jets offensive line is "offensive" He is mince meat.

[whiskyrokkr]

He will know what it means to run for his life now. The jets offensive line is "offensive" He is mince meat.

[timdgrim]

The New York Jets are going to shorten their name to the NYETS....meaning ''NO'' as in NO WAY as far as playoffs, even with Favre....N-Y-E-T-S nyets, nyets, nyets...

[zucchiniman]

Brett has set an excellent example on how NOT to retire from the NFL. Whats wrong with him?? It will take me 40 years to save one million dollars for retirement. Brett can make that much doing one 30 second commercial.

[whiskyrokkr]

Cry baby finally got what he wanted. What an idiot.

[demwatcher]

W.T.F.C?

[cricketbeers]

If you look at Favre''''s record the last 10 years he''''s good at getting to the playoffs but that''''s about it. He chokes in the cold now and I don''''t think New Jersey is any warmer than Green Bay in the winter.


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You make a valid point, however, compared to Pennington, the Favre''s a bull. Is it too much for a Jets fan to hope? Stop raining on my parade dammit! :)