Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre has retired from the NFL at the age of 38.

"He has had one of the greatest careers in the history of the National Football League," Packers general manager Ted Thompson told the franchise's official website.

"[He] is able to walk away from the game on his own terms. Not many players are able to do that."

The decision by the Pro Bowl quarterback to end his 17-year career came as something of a shock.

The veteran had strongly hinted he would return for at least one more season after leading the Packers to a 13-3 record and the NFC title game where they lost to the eventual Super Bowl champion New York Giants in overtime.

Favre, who started 275 consecutive regular season and playoff games, broke NFL records in his final campaign for most touchdown passes (442), passing yards (61,655), pass completions (5,377) and games with at least three touchdown passes (63).

"The Packers owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude," Thompson said. "He has given Packers fans wonderful memories, a Super Bowl championship among them, that will live forever.

"Brett's many accomplishments on the field are legendary. He leaves the game holding virtually every career passing record, plus his consecutive starts streak, which may never be duplicated.

"The uniqueness of Brett Favre, his personality, charisma and love of the game, undoubtedly will leave him as one of the enduring figures in NFL history."

Reuters