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Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre has been named the 2007 Sportsman of the Year, Sports Illustrated announced on its web site.

Favre, who at age 38 is having one of his best seasons, is chosen, SI's Alan Shipnuck writes, because he has reinvented himself as a player, because he has led a young team to a surprising 10-2 record, and because of the "Ripkenesque" streak of consecutive games played, which Favre has said will not be snapped despite an elbow injury on one side of his body and a shoulder injury on the other. Shipnuck continues:

It is for his perseverance and his passion that SI honors Favre with the 54th Sportsman of the Year award. But there is more to his story than on-field heroics. On game day the whole of Green Bay may live and die on Favre's rocket right arm, but his greatest legacy lies in how many people he has touched between Sundays.

Favre is one of five NFL players who have received the Sportsman of the Year award. Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw received the award in 1979, Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Reggie Williams was one of eight "athletes who care" recognized in 1987, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joe Montana won in 1990 and New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady won in 2005. For Favre, it's major recognition in what could be his most impressive season yet.

Sports Illustrated Names Brett Favre 2007 Sportsman of the Year - FanHouse - AOL Sports Blog