Who is Brett Favre

TL;DR:

Hall of Fame quarterback with a rare mix of guts and volume passing.
Three straight MVPs from 1995 to 1997, still unmatched.
Led Green Bay to a 35–21 win in Super Bowl XXXI.
NFL ironman with 297 straight starts, 321 including playoffs.
Post-career, tied to Mississippi’s welfare lawsuit, still in civil courts.

Brett Favre is one of the most recognized quarterbacks in NFL history. He started games for Green Bay, the New York Jets, and Minnesota. His style mixed risk, deep shots, and fearless play. He entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016 after a 20-season career with more than 70,000 passing yards and 500 passing touchdowns.

Early years and path to Green Bay

Favre grew up in Mississippi and played at Southern Miss. Atlanta drafted him in 1991. He appeared in two games, then was traded to Green Bay in 1992. He took over as the Packers starter in September 1992 and never gave the job back.

Peak run, 1995 to 1997

From 1995 to 1997, Favre won three straight AP NFL MVP awards. No other player has matched three in a row. The run tracked with Green Bay’s rise under coach Mike Holmgren and a strong defense led by Reggie White. In those seasons he topped 13,000 passing yards with aggressive downfield throws and red zone timing routes.

The ring: Super Bowl XXXI

On January 26, 1997, the Packers beat the Patriots 35–21 in New Orleans. Favre hit Andre Rison for a 54-yard score and later connected with Antonio Freeman on an 81-yard strike. Returner Desmond Howard won MVP after a 99-yard kick return. The win ended a 29-year title drought for Green Bay.

The near-miss a year later

Green Bay returned to Super Bowl XXXII on January 25, 1998. John Elway’s Broncos won 31–24 in a classic. Favre threw for three touchdowns, but Denver’s run game and red zone stops decided it.

Records and volume

Favre retired with 71,838 passing yards and 508 passing touchdowns. He also set high marks for attempts and completions across two decades. Many totals have since been passed by longer-tenured modern quarterbacks. His production defined 1990s and 2000s passing offense.

The ironman streak

Favre’s most famous mark is his durability. He started 297 straight regular season games, 321 including playoffs. The streak began on September 27, 1992, and ended on December 13, 2010, due to a shoulder injury with Minnesota. He played through countless injuries to keep the run alive.

Playing style in simple terms

He played fast and trusted his arm. He thrived on quick timing, slants, and deep posts. He welcomed tight-window throws that many passers avoid. The same aggression led to interceptions. Coaches built in play-action shots and moving pockets to feed his rhythm.

What tape still teaches today

Use cadence and tempo to control defenses.
Turn broken plays into gains by keeping eyes downfield.
Take hits to make throws, but protect the ball in late game spots.

Late-career stopovers

After Green Bay, Favre spent 2008 with the Jets, then joined Minnesota in 2009 and 2010. The 2009 season was a late surge. He posted a career-best passer rating and reached the NFC title game, losing in overtime to New Orleans.

Post-career spotlight and controversy

Favre has stayed in public view through media work, business ventures, and charity efforts. He has also been named in Mississippi’s civil effort to recover misspent welfare funds. State filings seek to claw back money connected to a planned university volleyball arena and speaking fees. Reporting and court records show the case is moving toward trials for some figures and continued civil claims for others. Favre has denied wrongdoing and has not faced criminal charges in the case.

Quick facts checklist

Item	Fact
NFL teams	Falcons, Packers, Jets, Vikings
Hall of Fame	Class of 2016
Super Bowl titles	1, with Green Bay in 1996 season
MVPs	3 straight, 1995 to 1997
Consecutive starts	297 regular season, 321 with playoffs
Career TDs	508

Sources confirm these numbers and dates.

Why it matters

Favre shaped how many fans think about quarterback toughness. His streak is a benchmark for availability. His gunslinger style influenced a generation of passers. His place in the Mississippi case is a reminder that fame brings scrutiny, long after the last snap.

How to think about his legacy

Start with the full picture. The peak years and title win are secure. The interception totals and late-career turnovers are part of it. The durability streak remains the clearest single trait. The legal headlines will keep surfacing, but his on-field mark stands in league history.