According to Ed Werder and Chris Mortensen (ESPN), NY Jets QB Brett Favre has asked his agent to tell the team he’s decided to retire from professional football.

Favre sent out an email to Werder, praising the Jets organization for giving him a chance last season, along with his teammates who embraced him from day one in New York.

“Mike and Woody, as well as the entire organization, have been nothing short of outstanding. My teammates — Thomas and Kerry included — were a pleasure to play with. Eric [Mangini] could not have been any better. I enjoyed playing for him. My time with the Jets was short, but I’m honored to be given that chance.”

Mortensen confirmed that the Jets had fielded the call from Favre’s agent, Bus Cook, and accepted his retirement without comment. Favre’s move gives the Jets close to $13 million in extra salary cap space this off-season, something they desperately need after spending a boatload of cash last year in signing a multitude of high-priced free agents.

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