Brett Favre highlights 2016 Pro Football Hall of Fame

Brett Favre, whose durability and gun-slinging approach to quarterbacking captivated the imagination of football fans for two decades, became the 14th first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback after being voted in on Saturday night.

He became one of eight members of the 2016 Pro Football Hall of Fame class. Owner Eddie DeBartolo, Jr., coach Tony Dungy, linebacker/defensive end Kevin Greene, wide receiver Marvin Harrison, tackle Orlando Pace, quarterback Ken Stabler and guard Dick Stanfel also made the cut.

The fact that Favre, 46, made it in his first year of eligibility surprised exactly no one.

His legacy is only partly defined by accolades – starting a record 297 consecutive games, becoming the first player in league history to throw 500 touchdown passes, winning three consecutive league MVP awards from 1995 to 1997 -- during a 20-year career that was as remarkable as it was unique.

It’s only partly defined by team success, including the Green Bay Packers’ 160-93 record during Favre’s 16 seasons there from 1992 to 2007. He led the Packers to a 35-21 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXI, bringing a world championship to one of the league’s most iconic franchises for the first time in nearly 30 years.

Without question, Favre’s career is also distinguished by how he played. He was a swashbuckling, freewheeling quarterback unafraid to sling the ball – for better or worse – down the field with abandon. Granted, he holds records for most career pass completions and pass attempts. And he’s second in career passing yards (71,838) and touchdown passes (508).

But other hallmarks of his illustrious career? Interceptions. No one has ever thrown more than Favre’s 336. And no one has ever been sacked more.

It’s been a memorable past year for Favre, whose No. 4 Packers’ jersey was retired during a memorable on-field ceremony before 70,000 fans at Lambeau Field in July. That marked the first time Favre had been to his former home stadium since he played there in the second of his two seasons with the Minnesota Vikings.

And Saturday night, as expected, brought a much-deserved achievement for a quarterback whose style football fans are unlikely to see again anytime soon.

Follow Eric Prisbell on Twitter @EricPrisbell.