Today, Brett Favre becomes the 17th quarterback in NFL history to play after turning 40. That’s quite an accomplishment, and he definitely takes it in stride.

“I don’t know if there is any added feeling on my part that, ’Hey, look at me. I’m playing,’” Favre said. “It’s what I’ve always expected to do. If I’m going to play, I want to play well. You can’t use age as an excuse, although people want to do that good or bad. It is what it is. I just hope I continue to play and lead at a level that I have up to this point.”

It’s also worth noting that Favre is one of a number of NFL stars who wore pink-colored gear last weekend as the league joined with the American Cancer Society to support October’s National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It was definitely a pink affair: players wore pink cleats, helmet decals, gloves, wristbands and sideline hats and towels. Game balls featured pink ribbon decals. Pink coins were used for the pregame coin toss, and goal posts were wrapped in pink padding.

The pink game gear and balls will be autographed by players, then auctioned off at www.NFLAuction.NFL.com. The proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society and team charities.

Happy Birthday Brett! Here’s to more birthdays, and thanks for helping to create a world with even more.