Tearful Favre farewell

Brett Favre tearfully told the world Thursday what the Green Bay Packers made public two days ago: He’s retired.

“I know I can play, but I don’t think I want to,” the quarterback said at an emotional news conference at Lambeau Field. “It’s been a great career for me, but it’s over.”

Favre was himself – emotional and informal.

He wore an untucked collared shirt, blue jeans and several days’ worth of stubble. After 275 straight starts, Favre said he was convinced he could still play on Sundays but had lost his passion to practice and prepare.

Around the league

Jevon Kearse, who had his best seasons in Tennessee, agreed to rejoin the Titans, who will use him primarily as a situational pass rusher. He was released by Philadelphia, which also cut linebacker Takeo Spikes. … Receiver Marty Booker returned to Chicago, agreeing to a two-year, free-agent deal worth a reported $3.5 million. After five years with the Bears, including a team-record 100-catch season, Booker was traded to Miami during the 2004 preseason. … The New York Jets signed fullback Tony Richardson, who played the last two seasons in Minnesota after 11 years in Kansas City. He was voted to his third Pro Bowl with the Vikings last season. … New England, which lost cornerbacks Asante Samuel and Randall Gay to free agency, signed two defensive backs – cornerback Lewis Sanders, who played for Atlanta last season and safety Tank Williams, who was with Minnesota. Sanders is an eight-year veteran and Williams a six-year man. … Denver signed linebacker Boss Bailey, uniting him with his brother, star cornerback Champ Bailey. Boss Bailey spent his first five seasons in Detroit. … St. Louis re-signed guard Adam Goldberg and agreed to terms with tight end Anthony Becht. … Jacksonville re-signed offensive lineman Maurice Williams. A starter for six years and a backup last season, he will compete with Dennis Norman and Uche Nwaneri for a starting guard spot. … Baltimore agreed to terms with special-teamer Brendon Ayanbadejo.