Brett Favre’s career isn’t short on accomplishments. The Pro Football Hall of Famer earned three first-team Associated Press All-Pro nods and led the league in passing touchdowns four times. Favre played in 299 consecutive contests, setting a league record. He retired as the NFL’s passing leader in attempts, completions, yards, and touchdowns.
Favre had humble beginnings, however. It was a small school in his home state where he began to grow into the legendary talent many remember. Let’s dive into the controversial figure’s college career.
Brett Favre’s College Career: Becoming a Hometown Hero
A native of Kiln, Miss., Favre is the most notable name to ever play for the Southern Miss Golden Eagles. Obviously, it didn’t start out that way.
The Golden Eagles were the only Division I program to offer him out of high school at Hancock North Central, where Favre played baseball and football for his father, Irv.
Favre began his freshman practices with six quarterbacks ahead of him on the depth chart and only ended up with the No. 4 because it was the only number left for a passer. He’d wanted No. 10, which he’d worn on the prep level, but it was retired in honor of Reggie Collier.
Still, Favre earned his way onto the field as a freshman and didn’t give the starting gig back.
Favre played for the Golden Eagles from 1987-90, and with him operating their offense, the team notched road wins against traditional powers Alabama, Auburn, and Florida State.
He departed from Hattiesburg as Southern Miss’s all-time leader in passing yards (7,695) and passing touchdowns (52). He’s since been eclipsed by Nick Mullens (2013-16) and Austin Davis (2008-11).
The Atlanta Falcons took Favre with the No. 33 overall pick in the 1991 NFL Draft, but he was shipped to Green Bay the following year due to differences with HC Jerry Glanville and his coaching staff.
With the Packers, Favre blossomed into a star, developing into an accomplished signal-caller after taking over for an injured Don Majkowski during his first season with the team.
From 1995-97, Favre earned an unprecedented three straight Associated Press NFL MVP awards. He guided Green Bay to a win over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXI and then led the Packers back to the sport’s biggest stage the next season.
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In his twilight years in Green Bay, he faced differences with upper management and a young, hungry Aaron Rodgers looking for a starting role.
Later in Favre’s career, after retiring a first time, he played a relatively lackluster season for the New York Jets. He then retired again before un-retiring again and playing two more seasons with the NFC North rival Minnesota Vikings.
Most recently, Favre was involved in various controversies, including a welfare funds scandal in his home state of Mississippi. He allegedly diverted federal welfare money from the state towards a new volleyball arena for Southern Miss.
Netflix is creating and releasing a short documentary about the embattled quarterback in early May.
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