What's next for packer fans?

It’s definitely a day a lot of people in Wisconsin hoped would never come, but, one every Favre fan knew had to happen.

The news hit a lot of people hard. It brought some to tears and sent others rushing for that last minute Favre gear.

But not one person we spoke to-- including a couple of Vikings fans-- had one bad thing to say about Brett Favre.

The song starts out "We got football, we got parties... "

But, It's a party that will be a lot different next season for the gang at the Welcome Matt.

"As of right now there's only one game I missed with Brett Favre," says Daryl Dehnke, who organizes bus trips to Lambeau.

For six home games, for more than two decades, people have piled onto the bus.

"The first game I got to go to was with Brett Favre. That was 12 years ago. That was the only quarterback I saw start was Brett Favre so it's going to be different," says a teary-eyed Rick Brantner.

Brantner owns the Welcome Matt, the Packer’s bar where the bus to Lambeau loads up. He too often makes that cross state trip to cheer on the Pack.

He usually wears his customized number four jersey and sometimes taking another “die hard” fan, in a customized coffin. It’s those forever fans that he says the team needs now more than ever. The type of fan that wasn’t hard to find in the Packers’ section of local sporting goods stores.

"Everyone has their own memory or reason they want to get Favre merchandise," says Jeff Tornow of Scheels.

"My husband told me to come get ‘em before they're sold out."

"It's a pretty sad day. They're going fast. I talked to the lady and they’re already sold out of women’s jerseys."

And when they're gone, they're gone.

"The jerseys and anything with an NFL logo will no longer be available," says Tornow.

But, one thing that seems certain to last: Favre's fan base across Packerland… and even beyond.

"Whether you're a Vikings fan or a Packer's fan, you appreciate someone who's really good. And he was," says Long-time Vikings Fan Tony Mueller.

"17 years in the National Football League is a long time and he has entertained us all 17 years," Dehnke says.

"It's going to be a void where Brett Favre was."

Most people we talked to are still excited to see how the team does next season. Most people also believe Aaron Rodgers is the guy to lead to the Pack into the future.

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It's a heartbreaking day for some Green Bay Packer fans with this announcement.

Fans say they're still in shock after the news.

A cloud of disbelief hung over the shoulders of many Packer backers.

They desperately want to believe this is just one of Favre's tricks, another prank, that he'll really be coming back for his 17th season.

Travis Swanson says, "It's a sad thing. He's been around a long time."
Ryan Payne says, "It's pretty depressing."

Some Green Bay Packer fans say it's an unofficial day of mourning for the state.

Wisconsin icon Brett Favre announced his retirement from the organization just this morning.

Travis Swanson says, "I heard about it on the radio this morning on my way here. Being in WI, it sounded like a big blow to the state."

After 16 years of winning seasons, losing seasons, Super Bowl trips, downward spirals, and a taste of once was-some fans say they believe Favre still has it in him.

Kyle Flynn says, "I think he should come back for another year because he has a great team lined up for next year."

Ron Horlburt says, "I thought he should run one more year. He's got that nice young line in front of him."

Other fans say while they respect Brett Favre, it might be time for a change.

Travis Swanson says, "It is time. He's been in there long enough."

Fans say they feel they've been a part of Favre’s life, watching his family grow, and experiencing the highs and lows of his career.

Travis Swanson says, "Definitely losing a good icon for the state."

Kyle Flynn says, "He's a role model for all the young high school football players."

It's those special Favre moments fans say they'll miss the most.

Jake Qujak says, "John Madden talking about Brett Favre. I always thought that was hilarious."

Barb Frankl says, "There's too many to count."

Obviously a sad day for Packer fans, but many supporters say life moves on and so does the game of football.

They say Green Bay still has a good team, despite Favre’s retirement.

They believe Favre’s back-up quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, can step in this season and lead the team to the playoffs and hopefully another Super Bowl.