Posted by ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas

If you go back and look at tape of Terry Bradshaw interviewing Brett Favre moments after the 1996 NFC Championship Game, you'll see Bradshaw get a very surprised look on his face, let out a little whoop, then start laughing.

The scene is inexplicable, unless you happened to be standing right behind the television stage in Lambeau Field, which I was. It was freezing cold, and there was drama all over the place as the Packers had just defeated the Carolina Panthers to go to their first Super Bowl in forever.

But the moment was light for Favre. As Bradshaw was in the middle of asking a question, Favre reached over and goosed the broadcaster.

Beyond all the records and victories, that moment, to me, sums up Favre's career. He never took himself too seriously, and he always seemed to have fun.

There had to be some challenging moments as Favre battled addiction to painkillers, endured the loss of his father and went through some losing seasons late in his career. But even with Favre's hair turning gray, you could see the kid in him again last season when the Packers were winning.

Favre's decision isn't good news for the Packers or their fans. But it's the right move for Favre, who isn't making the mistake of trying to hold on too long. Fittingly, he's leaving while the game was still fun.