Favre's former teammates weigh in on Hall of Fame induction, jersey retirement

Favre’s former teammates talk about HOF honors

Favre's former teammates talk about HOF honors

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre will be inducted into the organization's Hall of Fame and have his number retired in 2015. The news, announced August 4th, elicited a variety of reactions from fans. FOX6 caught up with some of Favre's former teammates who agree the Ol' Gunslinger very much deserves the honors.

"Oh, no question. I wouldn't have a Super Bowl ring if it wasn't for him, and Reggie, Dorsey Levens and Edgar Bennett. That whole team is very special," said former Packers defensive back LeRoy Butler.

Butler played for the Packers from 1990 to 2001 and now hosts a sports radio talk show. He says Favre's induction into the Hall of fame is long overdue.

"I would tell anybody that Brett is the best teammate in history. He never cared about himself. It was always what he could do for his teammates," Butler said.

Butler says his opinion of Favre is not only sky-high on the football field, but in life in general.

"One time I ran out of gas and he actually gave me his car to drive for a couple of days," said Butler. "He carpooled. I thought, well maybe he has another car, but he carpooled, and guys said 'why are you carpooling? Oh, LeRoy's driving my car.' It was just unbelievable."

Former Packers linebacker George Koonce, now Vice President at Marian University, reflects on Favre's career.

"I'm ecstatic because I had a chance to play with Brett for eight years," said Koonce. "My favorite memory was when Brett was running around on the football field after we won the Super Bowl down in New Orleans."

Koonce and Favre have known each other for 25 years, dating back to their rival college days.

"I'd rather play with him than against him," said Koonce.

Koonce also remembers Favre's messy exit from the team, and the sting of the quarterback signing with the Vikings, but says time heals all wounds.

"Brett played for the Packers for 16 years. He is a family member, and sometimes family members do things that a majority of the family don't really like, but it's time to bury the hatchet and move on," said Koonce.

Butler adds it's important for the Packers to induct Favre into the team Hall of Fame before he is inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He says this move will make Favre's eventual induction in Canton, Ohio even better for the fans.