AP

Mike Holmgren

KIRKLAND, Wash. - Former Green Bay coach Mike Holmgren says retiring quarterback Brett Favre was a gifted player who developed as a person.

Holmgren coached Favre with the Packers from 1992 through 1998, before going to the Seattle Seahawks.

Favre's last win came against his old coach when the Packers beat the Seahawks in the Jan. 12 divisional playoff game.

In a Tuesday statement from the team Holmgren said, "Brett's career accomplishments will be measured among the greats of the game for the balance of time. He truly was as gifted a player as I have ever seen, and as proud and amazed as I am of what Brett has accomplished on the playing field.

"The thing that impresses me the most is what kind of a man and leader he has become off the field since I have known him. I have taken great joy in watching him develop as a person and father - perhaps even more so - than as a coach watching his quarterback."