Green Bay Packers legend Brett Favre wove a remarkable pro career out of humble beginnings, surpassing even his wildest dreams on the long road from South Mississippi to NFL stardom.
Favre revisited that pilgrimage Saturday ahead of his induction into the Packers Hall of Fame - a ceremony that seemed inconceivable when the former star quarterback and the franchise were at odds following his trade to the New York Jets in 2008.
With the relationship reconciled, Favre took the podium to reflect and thank those who helped him along the way.
"The stars fell in line at the right time," Favre said. "I have people tell me all the time, how did a boy from South Mississippi come into that cold weather and play that well? Bart Starr did it and did it quite well. You have to have a great cast and I had a great cast. That starts from the top to the bottom and I'm thankful to be here tonight."
Favre: "I understand this night is about me but I would choose to say it's about us." pic.twitter.com/slbuZ19uUh
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) July 18, 2015
"All I dreamed about as a kid was being Archie Manning or Roger Staubach, who were my favorites," he said. "I never dreamed of being in the Hall of Fame. Never dreamed of having my jersey retired."
Despite all the good vibes, Favre's competitiveness showed when he bemoaned the fact that he could only win one Super Bowl during his 16-year run with the Packers, saying: "I wish we would've won more games. I wish we would've won more Super Bowls. But I did all that I could possibly do."
Former Green Bay head coach Mike Holmgren and general manager Ron Wolf were also on hand to take in the celebration of Favre's career. Both helped Favre thrive in Green Bay after a trade brought him over from the Atlanta Falcons in 1992.
The two praised Favre for turning the Packers franchise around and restoring it to one of the NFL's best.
"In my opinion," Wolf said, "and I realize I'm biased, (Favre is) the best player to ever play for the Green Bay Packers."
