JETS CONFIRM FAVRE RETIREMENT

The New York Jets have announced that quarterback Brett Favre has informed the franchise of his intent to retire. “I had a great conversation with Brett this morning,” owner Woody Johnson said in a statement. “Considering that he came from a totally different environment and joined our team during training camp, his performance last season was extraordinary. As I spoke with people throughout the organization, they all told me how much they enjoyed working with him. Brett Favre is a Hall-of-Fame player, but he is also a Hall-of-Fame person. Brett, Deanna and his family will always be a part of the Jets family.” Said G.M. Mike Tannenbaum: “When we acquired Brett, we knew we would get everything he had. He took the time to mentor younger players and his competitiveness and enthusiasm at practice and during games was contagious. I spoke with him this morning and told him that he will be a friend of the Jets for years to come and it was an honor to work with him.” Coach Rex Ryan, who never actually coached Favre, also chimed in. “It was an honor to coach against Brett over the years. If he’s not the best quarterback ever, then he’s certainly in the conversation. I have great admiration for him as a player and a person. I wish him only the best in his life after football.” But even if Favre’s “life after football” really has begun, folks will continue to wonder whether that’s true. There’s only one reason for it. Last year, Favre began his “life after football.” And it lasted barely four months. The move will give the Jets $13 million in 2009 cap space. If, come July, Favre decides to come back, the Jets immediately will have to account for that amount.