(AP) - Brett Favre informed the New York Jets onWednesday he will retire after 18 seasons, ending a record-settingcareer in which he was one of the NFL's premier quarterbacks. The 39-year-old instructed agent James "Bus" Cook to tell theteam of his decision, six weeks after Favre's only season with theJets ended in disappointment as New York failed to make theplayoffs. In an e-mail to ESPN, Favre said he has no regrets about endinghis career in New York and praised owner Woody Johnson, generalmanager Mike Tannenbaum and fired coach Eric Mangini. "Mike and Woody, as well as the entire organization, have beennothing short of outstanding," Favre said in the e-mail. "Myteammates - Thomas (Jones) and Kerry (Rhodes) included - were apleasure to play with. Eric could not have been any better. Ienjoyed playing for him. My time with the Jets was short, but I'mhonored to be given that chance." Running back Jones and safety Rhodes were critical after theseason of Favre and his performance. The Jets went from 8-3 tomissing the playoffs. Favre threw nine interceptions as the Jetswent 1-4 down the stretch, and a torn right biceps might havecontributed. The Jets did not immediately comment on Favre's decision. Favre retired last March but quickly changed his mind and abitter divorce with Green Bay ensued. He was traded to the Jets inAugust and was a Pro Bowl selection despite an overwhelminglydisappointing season that cost Mangini his job. New York hiredformer Baltimore defensive coordinator Rex Ryan to replace Mangini,and he, along with Johnson and Tannenbaum, repeatedly said theywanted Favre to return. Instead, Favre spent several weeks after the season at his homein Kiln, Miss., away from football before deciding to retire -again. Favre had two years left on his contract and was due $13 millionfor next season. If this is indeed it for Favre, he leaves the game with a slewof records, including career touchdown passes (464), completions(5,720), yards passing (65,127), regular-season victories (169) andinterceptions (310). The three-time NFL MVP also holds the mark among quarterbackswith 291 consecutive starts, including the playoffs, despiteplaying through several injuries throughout his career.