Football fans across America and especially in Mississippi have been on an emotional roller coaster with Brett Favre.

The reason is simple: We’ve watched his personal struggle in deciding whether to walk away from a game he clearly loves. And from his days at the University of Southern Mississippi, it’s a game we’ve loved watching him play.

Favre is a competitor’s competitor. His heart and soul have been on the line with every snap he’s taken. That, in no small part, has contributed to the success the native of tiny Kiln has enjoyed.

Last week, Favre, at the ripe old age of 39, decided to stay retired and phoned Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress to let him know.

It’s not the first retirement for Favre, who some have labeled as fickle and indecisive, but it will probably be the last. “It was the hardest decision I’ve ever made,” he said. But he added that since he knows he can’t play in top form, he chooses not to play at all.

Favre holds almost every NFL career passing record that matters, including touchdown passes (464), completions (5,720), yards passing (65,127), regular-season victories (169) and interceptions (310), with most of his records achieved in the uniform of a Green Bay Packer. He had a turn with the New York Jets after his last retirement and the Vikings really wanted his help this season.

They’ll have to make other plans, it appears. Brett, as he’s known in his home state, has faced up to the facts. When he turns 40 in October, we hope he’s at his home in Mississippi watching NFL action on a big-screen TV. He’ll want to be in the game, but he’s earned his retirement.