 Beginning near the end of the 2006 season , word began to surface that Favre was considering retirement . In fact , playing in Soldier Field against the arch @-@ rival Bears in the season finale , Favre was given a standing ovation in the closing seconds of the Packer victory as a show of respect from Chicago fans to their longtime nemesis . Moments later at the postgame interview , he gave a tearful interview with an NBC Sports correspondent , where he admitted his future was still questionable . However , after much debate , he returned for 2007 , during which his future was once again in doubt and an oft @-@ discussed topic , with many in the media speculating that if the Packers made the Super Bowl , Favre would indeed retire and hand the reins to the unproven but talented Aaron Rodgers , who was drafted two years earlier as Favre 's heir @-@ apparent . Ultimately , the Packers fell in the NFC Championship to the New York Giants ( who in turn upset the heavily favored New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII ) . 
