Favre happy to join Jets

Quarterback Brett Favre is ready to inspire a New York Jets turnaround after the three-time NFL MVP completed his highly publicised trade from the Green Bay Packers.

The Packers agreed to trade Favre to the New York Jets in a deal that was completed late on Wednesday night following speculation he would join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Jets went 4-12 last season and have not won a Super Bowl in four decades.

"The last 24 hours have been crazy," Favre said during a news conference prior to the Jets' pre-season game against the Cleveland Browns.

"I'm here for one reason. Not to do commercials, Broadway, all those things. I'm here to help the Jets win."

Favre, who retired in a tearful press conference on March 4, is the NFL's all-time leader in touchdowns (442), completions (5,377), attempts (8,758), yards (61,555) and wins (160). He also has been a model of toughness, starting an NFL-record 275 consecutive games, including play-offs.

Terms of the trade have not been disclosed, but NFL.com reported that Green Bay dealt Favre for a conditional draft pick - which will be based on the Jets' performance in 2008.

"I am looking forward to seeing Brett Favre in a New York Jets uniform," Jets chairman and chief executive Woody Johnson said in a statement. "He represents a significant addition to this franchise and reflects our commitment to putting the best possible product on the field."

NFL.com reported that New York would initially send a fourth-round pick, which would improve to a third-round selection if Favre participates in 50 per cent of the plays this season.

If Favre is on the field for 70 per cent of the plays and the Jets make the play-offs, the pick would become a second-round selection and if he plays in 80 per cent and New York make it to the Super Bowl, the Packers would receive a first-round pick.

"We respect Brett's decision that he could no longer remain here as a Packer," said a Packers statement. "But there were certain things we were not willing to do because they were not in the best interest of the team. We were not going to release him nor trade him to a team within the division.

"When Brett ultimately decided that he still wanted to play football, but not in Green Bay, we told him that we would work to find the best solution for all parties involved. We wish Brett and his family well."

NFL.com also reported that the Packers put a "poison pill'' in the deal. If the Jets trade Favre to the Minnesota Vikings, they would have to give Green Bay three first-round picks.

But the Jets insist they have any intention of parting with Favre, who immediately transforms New York into a post season contender in a competitive AFC.

"We just felt like this was an opportunity for us to go get someone of Brett's stature and what he's accomplished," Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum said. "Woody, Eric (head coach Mangini) and I felt that it was in the best interest of the team. When the opportunity presented itself, we felt it was the right move for us to make, and we went ahead and did it."

With the new acquisition, the Jets on Thursday released veteran quarterback Chad Pennington, allowing the team to free up space to fit Favre's US$12 million salary