After 17 years in the NFL, Brett Favre has decided to hang up his cleats and mow his lawn. Saying it was the mental stress and strain not the physical wear and tear of all the years of preparing for every game, the Brett Favre era ended.

Even though I knew this day was coming, it still caught me off-guard. I'm sure it caught a lot of loyal Packer fans the same way. Recently, there has been many outspoken critics saying Brett should retire. Well, there is an old saying,"be careful what you ask for because you just might get it." How many of those same critics will be asking "Why don't they get Favre back"? if Aaron Rodgers should fail?

The fact of the matter is this era had to end sometime. Brett is still in reasonably good health and can enjoy the fruits of his labor. People tend to forget that he has one daughter on her way to college and one still at home.  Brittany got to watch her dad win division and NFC championships. Plus a Super Bowl win. Breleigh got to see her father go out  a winner  after having one of if not the best regular seasons of his career.

Brett, from this Packer fan, Thank You. Thank You for your courage under fire.  For  your willingness to do what ever it took to win no matter how dangerous.

For the thrill you could bring to all of us with that powerful right arm as it unleashed a rocket downfield to a streaking receiver.

For the class, genorosity, and humility you showed in all aspects of your life. How many of us will forget the Monday night game against Oakland after Irv died? How you buried your grief to lead your team to victory. The emotional outpouring after Deanna met you on the sidelines after Coach Sherman pulled you from the game.

Brett, you gave us one hell of a wild ride week in and week out for 16 seasons.  Not since Bart Starr has there been  a quarterback as beloved and revered by the greatest fans in the world.  I think I speak for Packer fans everywhere when I say you will be sorely missed. Take a load of Brett, you deserve it.

Now on to the future. Will Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy put all of their eggs in Aaron Rodgers' basket or will they look elsewhere for veteran leadership? Aaron has looked very good when he got his chances to play. But, every time he has had his chances he hasn't been able to stay healthy.  The question becomes"is Rodgers tough enough to be a NFL starting quarterback"? Don't be surprised if Thompson brings in a veteran free agent just in case. With Brett gone, does Craig Nall stick around to try and take the job from Rodgers? Nall signed a contract with Buffalo a few years back when they promised him a shot at the starter's job.

Needless to say Packer fans, this off-season will be one to watch. The draft is coming up.Can Ted find more talent again this year? What holes will he try to fill first? Our corners, Harris and Woodson, are two of the best in the league. Unfortunately they are 2 of the oldest starting corners in the league. Then there is the tight end situation. With Bubba gone who will back up Donald Lee?There will also be a lot of unsigned free agents out there looking to hook on with somebody. Many people have knocked Thompson for not splurging on big name free agents. But he seems to have an eye for talent so let's hope his sight is still sharp.

That's all for now Packer fans. Once your shock and sorrow has passed,enjoy your off-season and see if you can second guess all the experts on what the Pack will do. Until we meet again my friends,SEEEEEEEEE YAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!