Favre Will Be Inducted Into Packers Hall Of Fame And Have Number Retired Next Year

The Green Bay Packers have mended fences with Brett Favre: The former long-time quarterback will be inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame next year and have his old number 4 retired.

The Packers held a well-attended news conference to announce the honors. Brett Favre was on the phone.

The retired chairman of the Packers, Bob Harlan, announced that Favre will be the first player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame and have his number retired in the same year. He credited Favre for helping turn the team around from dismal seasons in the ’70s and ’80s, during which it had only four winning seasons.

“Brett … I want to say I was thrilled and privileged to work with you and watch you play in Green Bay for 16 years, and I’m personally priveleged today to welcome you and Deanna back into the Packers Hall of Fame. It’s great to have old friends home again,” said Harlan on Monday.

Favre famously decided to come out of retirement, cut ties with the Packers, and play for the New York Jets and the Minnesota Vikings. He now says, however, that he will always consider himself a Packer.

Team President and CEO Mark Murphy said the announcement puts an end to speculation about when and if the team would honor Favre.

“‘When will he come back? When will his number be retired?’ I know personally I’m thankful I don’t need to answer that question again,” said Murphy

The Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be in July of next year. Favre’s number will be retired and his name placed on the walls of Lambeau Field during a game sometime in the 2015 season.