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Feb 11th 2009, 17:21 | FFN-Score: 8 points

NEW YORK -- Brett Favre's agent says the New York Jets quarterback will retire.

The 39-year-old Favre instructed agent James "Bus" Cook to tell the team Wednesday that he won't return for a 19th NFL season - and second with the Jets.

In an e-mail to ESPN, Favre says he has no regrets about ending his career in New York and praises the team's owner, front office and fired coach Eric Mangini.

Favre wrote he enjoyed his time with the Jets, despite a late-season slump that saw New York go from 8-3 to missing the playoffs. Favre threw nine interceptions as the Jets went 1-4 down the stretch, and a torn right biceps might have contributed.

Jets owner Woody Johnson said he spoke with Favre on Wednesday morning.

"I had a great conversation with Brett this morning," Johnson said. "Considering that he came from a totally different environment and joined our team during training camp, his performance last season was extraordinary. As I spoke with people throughout the organization, they all told me how much they enjoyed working with him. Brett Favre is a Hall-of-Fame player, but he is also a Hall-of-Fame person. Brett, Deanna and his family will always be a part of the Jets family. "

Jets GM, Mike Tannenbaum, also spoke highly of Favre on Wednesday.

"When we acquired Brett, we knew we would get everything he had," Tannenbaum said. "He took the time to mentor younger players and his competitiveness and enthusiasm at practice and during games was contagious. I spoke with him this morning and told him that he will be a friend of the Jets for years to come and it was an honor to work with him. "

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press.