It appears as though Brett Favre is serious this time about hanging ‘em up for good.

According to a report by FOX Sports’ Alex Marvez, Favre filed retirement papers with the NFL and is set to walk away from the game for good. Of course, he also filed his retirement papers in February of 2009 and then managed to play two more seasons, so one never knows with him.

But the timing is right if he does officially retire. He proved in ‘09 that he could still play at an elite level, but he took a beating both on and off the field this past season. He once again dealt with an assortment of injuries and it’s clear that his 41-year-old body can’t withstand the punishment anymore. When you also factor in what has happened off the field, it’s probably best if Favre doesn’t pull another about-face and return next year.

For those who think Favre will always be remembered for the Jenn Sterger scandal, let me remind you that only the minority talk about Michael Jordan’s days as a Washington Wizard or discusses his rumored issues with gambling. People remember O.J. Simpson more for his off-field antics, but that’s because the man was caught up in a murder trial (and later for going to prison for attempted robbery).

People in Green Bay will never forget how he retired his way to Minnesota, but they’ll also forever be grateful for the many great moments he gave them while wearing a Packer helmet (which include a Super Bowl victory). He’s a first-ballot Hall of Famer and while some believe he tarnished his legacy over these past couple of years, others will talk about his greatness on the field without ever mentioning the name Jenn Sterger or criticizing him for his offseason fickleness.

That said, I still won’t believe he’s officially retired until Week 1 of the 2011 season rolls around and he’s not in uniform. And even then…