Brett Favre 2009 Season-better Than You Remember?
In 2009, Brett Favre completed 363 of 531 passes for 4,202 yards, 33 touchdowns, and just 7 interceptions, achieving a career-high 107.2 passer rating over 16 games with the Minnesota Vikings. This performance propelled the Vikings to a 12-4 record and an NFC Championship appearance.
Season Overview
The 2009 NFL season marked Brett Favre's unretirement and switch to Minnesota after stints with Green Bay and the Jets. At age 40, he defied expectations by leading the league in several efficiency metrics while minimizing turnovers.
Favre's 107.2 passer rating ranked second behind only Drew Brees, and his 1.3% interception rate tied Aaron Rodgers for the best in the NFL. His accuracy hit a personal best of 68.4% completion percentage, showcasing pinpoint precision to receivers like Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin.
The Vikings averaged 26.2 points per game with Favre under center, finishing eighth in scoring offense and tenth in passing yards per game at 251.8.
Game-by-Game Stats
Favre's consistency shone through in 16 starts, with multiple standout performances against divisional rivals. Below is a comprehensive table of his regular-season game log, highlighting completions, yards, touchdowns, interceptions, and passer ratings.
| Date | Opp | CMP/ATT | YDS | TD | INT | RTG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9/13 | @CLE | 14/21 | 110 | 1 | 0 | 95.3 |
| 9/20 | @DET | 23/27 | 155 | 2 | 0 | 115.3 |
| 9/27 | vs SF | 24/46 | 301 | 2 | 1 | 78.3 |
| 10/5 | vs GB | 24/31 | 271 | 3 | 0 | 135.3 |
| 10/11 | @STL | 18/24 | 232 | 1 | 1 | 101.4 |
| 10/18 | vs BAL | 21/29 | 278 | 3 | 0 | 136.9 |
| 10/25 | @PIT | 33/50 | 334 | 0 | 1 | 76.6 |
| 11/1 | @GB | 17/28 | 244 | 4 | 0 | 128.6 |
| 11/15 | vs DET | 20/29 | 344 | 1 | 0 | 120.5 |
| 11/22 | vs SEA | 22/25 | 213 | 4 | 0 | 141.8 |
| 11/29 | vs CHI | 32/48 | 392 | 3 | 0 | 112.5 |
| 12/6 | @ARI | 30/45 | 275 | 2 | 2 | 79.4 |
| 12/13 | vs CIN | 17/30 | 192 | 1 | 1 | 73.2 |
| 12/20 | @CAR | 17/27 | 224 | 0 | 1 | 73.7 |
| 12/28 | @CHI | 26/40 | 321 | 2 | 0 | 106.4 |
| 1/3/2010 | vs NYG | 25/31 | 316 | 4 | 0 | 148.7 |
| Totals | 16 Games | 363/531 (68.4%) | 4,202 | 33 | 7 | 107.2 |
Key Achievements
- Favre earned his 11th Pro Bowl selection, a testament to his elite play at an advanced age.
- He threw for four touchdowns in three separate games, including revenge matches against his former team, the Green Bay Packers.
- His seven interceptions were a career-low relative to attempts, emphasizing ball security in a high-volume passing attack.
- Favre's 4,202 yards ranked ninth league-wide, powering Minnesota's top-tier offense alongside Adrian Peterson's rushing prowess.
Playoff Performance
Though the regular season dazzled, Favre's postseason added intrigue. In the NFC Divisional win over Dallas (34-3 on January 17, 2010), he went 18-for-31 for 310 yards and two scores.
The NFC Championship against New Orleans on January 24 fell short (31-28 OT loss), where Favre suffered an ankle sprain but still managed 31-of-48 for 303 yards, two TDs, and one INT before exiting.
- Divisional Round vs. Cowboys: Favre's deep balls to Sidney Rice set the tone early.
- Championship Game: Despite injury, he rallied from 21-14 down, nearly forcing overtime on a final drive.
- Legacy Moment: Favre's grit epitomized his career, even in defeat to Drew Brees' Saints.
Advanced Metrics Deep Dive
Beyond box scores, Favre's adjusted net yards per attempt (ANY/A) hit 7.62, second in the NFL. He faced pressure on 34 sacks for 247 yards lost but maintained poise.
Fantasy owners loved his 17.7 points per game output, ranking him among top QBs. His minimal rushing (9 carries, 7 yards) focused value on arm talent.
"Brett Favre's 2009 season with the Minnesota Vikings was arguably his best NFL season." - FOX Sports analysis.
Historical Context
At 40 years and 102 days old by season's end, Favre became the oldest QB to win 10+ games. His revenge game on October 5 against Green Bay (30-23 win, 3 TDs) electrified fans.
The Vikings' 12-4 mark earned the NFC's top seed, but injuries and Saints' magic halted a Super Bowl push. Favre's low-turnover mastery (33:7 TD-INT) remains a benchmark for veterans.
- League Lead: Tied for fewest INT% at 1.3%.
- Personal Best: 68.4% completion, eclipsing prior highs.
- Team Impact: Vikings jumped from 10-6 in 2008 to playoff contenders.
- Hall of Fame Boost: Solidified his first-ballot induction in 2025.
Receiver Breakdown
| Receiver | Receptions | Yards | TDs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sidney Rice | 83 | 1,312 | 8 |
| Percy Harvin | 60 | 790 | 6 |
| Visanthe Shiancoe | 37 | 448 | 5 |
| Chester Taylor | 29 | 216 | 1 |
| Others | Combined | 1,436 | 13 |
Favre's distribution favored Sidney Rice, who exploded for career highs thanks to Favre's accuracy on deep routes.
Legacy Impact
2009 proved Favre's gunslinger era transcended teams, blending volume with efficiency. It ranks among the greatest single seasons for a 40-plus QB, influencing retirement debates.
- Pro Bowl Nod: 11th career selection.
- NFC Title Run: Deepest playoff push since 2009 Packers.
- Stat Line Supremacy: TD-INT ratio of 33-7 unmatched in his twilight.
- Inspiration: Paved way for late-career resurgences like Tom Brady's.
Favre's Vikings tenure, capped by this year, cements him as NFL's ironman QB with 298 consecutive starts.
This season outshines memory-efficiency at volume, minimal errors, playoff heroics. Far from decline, it was vintage Favre refined.
Everything you need to know about Brett Favre 2009 Season Better Than You Remember
Was 2009 Favre's Best Statistical Year?
Yes, by passer rating and completion percentage, surpassing even his 1990s peaks with Green Bay. The 107.2 rating stood 14th all-time through 2009, though modern QBs have since eclipsed it.
How Did Favre Compare to Peers?
Favre trailed only Brees in TDs (33 vs. 38) and rating, while leading in interception avoidance. He outpaced Philip Rivers and Peyton Manning in efficiency metrics.
Why Join the Vikings?
After retiring post-2008 Jets season, Favre was lured by coach Brad Childress and weapons like Rice and Peterson. A September 18, 2009, activation sealed his return.
Did Age Slow Favre?
No-his arm strength and decision-making peaked. Only two fumbles lost highlighted durability.
What If No Injury?
Many speculate a healthy Favre beats the Saints, potentially winning Super Bowl XLIV over Brees.