Packers Hall of Fame set to honor Brett Favre

When Brett Favre walks to the podium Saturday night inside Lambeau Field, Green Bay Packers fans will get their long-awaited reconnection with the legendary quarterback.

Favre will be inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame, and have his famed No. 4 jersey retired, during a 6:30 p.m. ceremony at Lambeau Field. It will be Favre’s first return to Lambeau Field since Oct. 24, 2010, when the Packers beat the Favre-quarterbacked Minnesota Vikings 28-24.

Favre, along with longtime center Frank Winters, will speak with the media for an hour before the ceremony. Parking lots on the west side of the stadium will open at 4:30 p.m., and gates will open at 5:15 p.m.

Temperatures are expected to reach into the 90s, with a 50 percent chance of rain. Rain will not affect the event, but weather policies will be the same as game day. Aaron Popkey, the Packers’ director of public affairs, said there are contingencies in place for the programming should severe weather become a factor.

“We ask attendees to prepare appropriately for the weather, with the forecast calling for high temperatures and humidity,” Popkey wrote in an email to Press-Gazette Media. “With the possibility of rain, we remind attendees that umbrellas are not permitted and proper rain gear is recommended.”

A large contingent of former coaches and teammates will attend the ceremony, among them former receiver Antonio Freeman and safety LeRoy Butler.

Favre has a conflicted legacy in Green Bay. The three-time MVP gave Packers fans 16 years of continuous starts and high performance, complete with a Super Bowl XXXI victory against the New England Patriots. Following a trade to the New York Jets in 2008, he retired before signing with the Vikings.

His two years of playing for the Packers’ bitter rival — Favre split four games against his former team — were painful memories not easily forgotten. But Favre, fans and the Packers franchise will get a chance today to remember — and honor — the positive from their 16-year relationship.

Favre, an 11-time Pro Bowler, had a record-shattering tenure with the Packers. His 71,838 passing yards are more than any quarterback in NFL history. He also ranks second with 508 touchdown passes — and first with 336 interceptions — but it’s his durability that will be remembered most. Favre started a record 321 straight games in his career.

On TV

» WGBA (Channel 26) will televise the Packers Hall of Fame festivities in the Green Bay area, beginning at 6:30 p.m.