Favre excited by Jets trade after "crazy" day

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Brett Favre described the whirlwind developments that took him to New York from the Green Bay Packers as "crazy" on Thursday, yet proclaimed himself excited about joining the Jets.

"The last 24 hours have been crazy," nine-times Pro Bowl quarterback Favre told reporters in Cleveland, where the Jets were playing a pre-season game.

"Really, the last three weeks and this whole off-season has been bizarre or whatever you want to call it but it is what it is.

"I am a member of the Jets. I am excited about it. I'm excited about the opportunity. Did I ever think this scenario would present itself? No. Am I excited about the opportunity? Yes."

The 38-year-old Favre announced his retirement in March after steering the Packers to a 13-3 record and into the NFC title game but the three-times league MVP had a change of heart and wanted to return to the field.

The Packers, however, had already handed over the reins of the team to his understudy Aaron Rodgers and were not warm to the idea of Favre's return.

Once Favre was reinstated by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, the Packers had to either reinstate Favre at his $12 million salary, trade or release him, in which case he could negotiate to join any team.

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Green Bay did not want Favre to return to Lambeau Field with NFC North rivals Minnesota Vikings or Chicago Bears and a deal was worked out to send Favre to the AFC East Jets on Wednesday.

"We felt this was a good opportunity to improve that and that's why we went ahead and made the decision," said Mike Tannenbaum, general manager of the Jets, who were 4-12 last season.

"We are happy. We are excited. We're really glad he's a member of this team," added Tannenbaum, who on Thursday cut veteran quarterback Chad Pennington from the team.

The Jets will send a draft pick to the Packers that will be set based on how many games Favre plays for the AFC team.

Favre finished last season as the NFL's all-time leader in touchdown passes (442) and passing yards (61,655).

"I'm a south Mississippi boy," Favre said when asked how he would take to playing in the New York metropolitan area.

"I know how tough it can be and I know how great it can be in New York City. Am I ready to face it, handle it and deal with it? I think so. I think it's a great opportunity.

"Green Bay is a small market but is there a bigger team? I've been in front of a lot of media. I've been in big games. I've won big games. I've lost big games. I've had my share of criticism and glory.

"I'm here for one reason and that's to help the Jets win."

(Writing by Larry Fine in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Editing by John O'Brien)