Photo by: AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis
When I first heard that Brett Favre wanted to return for the 2008 season, I was very disappointed. I realize that it is always a players’ right to remain active in a sport since the window of opportunity is so small, but Favre had just completed an amazing season leading the Packers to within one game of the Super Bowl.
I was beginning to see the “diva” quality that many fans had been accusing Favre of having for many years. I always felt that Favre should be allowed to play for as long as he wanted, even if that meant Favre played until he was ready to collect social security.
However, when he retired, Packer nation moved on without Favre, and the majority of fans were firmly behind Aaron Rodgers as the future of the franchise. No one knew how good or bad Rodgers would be, but it was now his time and the team would sink or swim with him.
Although many predicted it, no one was quite sure that Favre would come out of retirement to play again. He had been on the fence for so many years about the subject and once he decided to hang up his spikes for good, everyone thought it really was for good.
When Favre decided he did want to play again, I found myself feeling very bitter for a one-time hero. Favre was going back on his word, and he was now becoming a major distraction for the Packers. Favre took his ball and went home, and I didn’t want to see him in a Packers’ uniform any longer. It was Aaron Rodgers’ time to shine, and Favre was becoming more selfish in my eyes for his refusal to go away.
On August 6th last year, the unthinkable happened: Brett Favre was traded from the Green Bay Packers to the New York Jets. It was something that was hard to swallow at first, but it seemed like the most logical outcome for all involved. Favre would now get to continue his football career, and Aaron Rodgers and the Packers could start a new chapter in their history.
Favre played very similar to how he had for the previous several seasons: he got off to a great start and faltered down the stretch. By the end of the season, it was obvious Favre was a broken down old man that no longer had the tools to play at a high level.
It was revealed after the season that Favre had a partially torn biceps tendon, which was the major cause of his ineffectiveness over the final two months of the season. Although Favre told everyone that would listen that he would not use surgery as an option, he again went back on his word and had the procedure done in order to come back for one last hurrah.
The Brett Favre that showed heart and guts like no player before him in the history of the game has long since retired. What remains is a bitter, spiteful man only playing to get back at his former employer.
Brett Favre’s body has finally started to betray him, yet he is too stubborn and prideful to leave with the same honor and class he showed for so many years in Green Bay. Favre feels it is more important to show Packers’ General Manager Ted Thompson that he was wrong for trading Favre, than it is to be the bigger man and walk away.
All winter I was hoping that Favre really was done for good this time around. I should have known better though. Favre’s ego has always been huge, but I was blinded by my loyalty as a Packer fan to see it.
When it was becoming more and more clear that Favre intended to return this year, I again started to feel very upset and bitter towards him. However, I realized my feelings were misguided. Favre did not care about me or any other Packers’ fans. If he did, he would realize the effect that seeing him play in Vikings’ purple would have on everyone. No, all Favre cares about is trying to prove he is right and Thompson is wrong.
It was at that point that my ill-will for Favre disappeared. Ted Thompson has built a very good team in Green Bay, and they will not only compete for the division title but should make quite a showing in the playoffs. If Favre wants to come back and face a team ready to tear him apart twice this season, who am I to argue with him?
So, with an open heart and clear conscience, I say, “Welcome back, Brett.”
You are no longer the man I grew up in amazement watching. You are now the enemy in purple. Good luck to you this season, and don’t be surprised at the backlash you receive from yet another team when you fail to deliver on all that you promise them.
I also have a message for those that will show up to the Packers-Vikings game at Lambeau Field on Sunday afternoon, November 1. If you claim to be a Packers fan but show up in either a purple and gold or green and gold number four, you aren’t really a Packers’ fan. You need to learn that even the great Brett Favre isn’t bigger than any team, especially the Green Bay Packers. He is nothing more than an instrument for amusement on Sundays in the fall and winter, not the God-like figure you like to imagine him to be. Don’t think so highly of him, he doesn’t think anything of you, just look at his actions.
Comments
Very well said!
"What remains is a bitter, spiteful man only playing to get back at his former employer."
He wants to play to win a championship. Only bitter spitefull comments seem to be coming from the author.
I am sick and tired of cry babies like you. Boo hoo he doesn't play for the packers anymorer get over it. If your tired of hearing about him mute the tv or change. The chaNnel no is making you hear or read about him quit whinning!
"He is nothing more than an instrument for amusement on Sundays in the fall and winter"
Wow, you are missing a lot of the most amazing stuff in football dude (not just talking about favre here, but Manning, Adrain Peterson, and a long list of others going back in time) if you never pay attention to the feats of individual players, all you can manage is "U rah rah my team U rah rah Who care about any other team or any other players on them"
I pity you can't see that Favre isn't still a compelling entertainer to watch, the colors of his jersey doesn't change that any more than Joe Montana wearing red did.
p.s. what Randal said: +1
"He wants to play to win a championship. Only bitter spitefull comments seem to be coming from the author."
TT has built a "very good team"? So sans Favre a good Packer team needs only to finish at 6-10? Safe to say, Favre isn't losing any sleep about facing a Packer team that will again likely be fighting the Lions for fourth place in the NFC North. Motiff is just another bitter Packer fan who lives under the illusion that Green Bay is different from other franchises - it's not. Every player on the roster cares more about the "green" than they do about Green Bay. Accept it and move on.
Motiff, don't be angry just because Favre and the vikings are going to destroy your sorry packer team twice in one year.
No,he's not playing to win a championship. Favre has said that he's coming back to try and stick it to Thompson. That's entirely the wrong reason to come back.
If he was coming back to honestly try and win a championship, I'd have no problem what team he'd play for. But that's not the reason. Brett and Deanna are bitter at how he was sent packing out of Green Bay and they feel they need to play in Minnesota and try and stick it to the Packers...but that's also sticking it to the fans that supported him in good and bad times throughout his career.
Favre always said he played for the love of the game, but that's not the case anymore. He's playing to try and win a war of words and actions with Thompson. That isn't honorable and there's no reason for Favre to do such a thing.
Looks like you are the one who is a bitter old man
Your article is wrong. The Monday night game Oct. 5 is in Minnesota. The Vikings travel to Lambeau on Nov. 1.
Jesse, your way off base! It's because of media people like you that Favre has gotten such a bum rap over this. He's earned the right to play as long as he want and retire on his own terms. Get over yourself!
you wisonsin media reporters have such a revisioned view of the way things went down and I know it is because most of you are shills for packer managament, you say that most fans were ok with the switch to rodgers, the fans were split last year about 50/50 after favre unretired and infact there is still a great number who are quite upset with packer managment. And lets not forget that packers managment offered a 20 million dollar BRIBE to try to keep farve off the field and hired ari fleischer to spin things for them. You sheltered media folks might not be aware of this but there are still a great number of disgruntled packers fans out there
So, you pledge some sense of undying loyalty to a sports franchise based on physical proximity - you don't care about specific players? Brett Favre is what made the Packers worth watching, and him with Adrian Peterson and the rest of a stellar Vikings cast (in a place where he is actually wanted)would be great football this year.
This article just epitomizes how brainwashed some people in WI are (I guess that's why they brought in Ari Fleisher - mission accomplished on your head)to downplay everything the holy organization did wrong with Favre. And if one more idiot tries making the arguement that they can tell someone when and how to retire I'm going to puke.
I suggest you should retire immediately.
I have to totally disagree with this article. I have been a Packer Backer for over 45 years. Die hard cheese head as you will. Brett came to us and put us back on the map. I feel that he deserved the right to play last year for us. TT just wanted is 1st rounnd choice to build his legacy and his kiss ass coach followed with his spineless ok. Brett is a Green Bay legend as much as nichke, starr, or the rest of the greats. I still believe in my packers but, if playing makes him happy for what ever reason. Let the legend PLay.
I laugh at the ignorant! Brett Favre is one of the greatest to go under center. People bad mouthing him because he isn't sure what he wants to do is retarded. If people are truely packer fans then you allow a football great to come back and win, seeing as though he has more wins for a QB all time! Let's talk about other packer greats that retired and came back Vince Lombardy retired twice the last time becoming the GM for the redskins. How about Don Hudson one of the greatest WR of all time retired three times and came back. Reggie White retired twice but he then played for the panthers. And finally Forest Gregg retired five times to come back to the pack. The last time I checked these organizations hire coaches and GM's to put the best team on the field, but instead they traded a winner and a great. It's not Favre's fault that the media blows all this garabage out of whack! Is it his fault for wanting to continue to play a game he loves I think not.
Correction. The october 5th game is at the metrodome oh so loyal packer.
Do us all a favor Motiff. You should retire. Your the bitter, negative little man.
if brett would not have been shoved out of GB he still be winning there. Forced into retirement, tears were because all he wanted to do was finish his career in GB and they said "bye". He was torn, not ready to retire. I am long time GB fan but they gave him the shaft. Loss lots of $ in #4 jerseys alone..HA! anyway i hope Brett does well. I thi nk Aaron Rodgers has done great withstanding you media types. leave them all alone and let them play. hell its just a game. Go cover the real stories like the mcnair story. Now thats news. But you dont report the real truth of that situation either...
More bla, bla, bla. Let em' play !
What has Minnesota done in the past 20 years? What is this orginization offered to NFL history? 0-4 in Superbowls. How many division titles? Lousy playoff records. The Vikings have been taking our castaways, and free agents for quite some time-the Favre situation will be no different for me this year! They still have a "choke" for a coach. Offensive line problems. Adrian Peterson gets hurt 2-3 times a year. I hear he has bulked up now - so maybe his speed will be affected. It took a Federal Appeals court to get the Defensive Line to play (I hope they serve their 4 game suspensions at playoff time-lol) The Vikings are not blesed with wide receivers. Why they have been somehow given the division, and Superbowl status for 3 years now I have noe arthly idea.
I for one am glad that Favre has brought this "divaesque" behaviour to another team instead of ours. I have seen these theatrics....I have read this book...it's boring. Hopefully A Kampman or C Mathews will break his ribs!
Go Packers
Your article smacks of an emo-riffic letter written to an ex-girlfriend who is dating your best friend now! W I hope the phat a sad sack you are. I hope the purple pride crushes your spirit in October, cheesehead.
Great article. The revisionists are all the Favre fans commenting here who could care less about the truth and bow to the idolatry of the Tarnished Legend.
www.turnyourbackonbrettfavre.com
Are some of these commenters forgetting that Favre admitted and stated that "he wished to 'stick it' to Ted Thompson."
There's your evidence that he's not team-centered, but is instead ego-centric.
Plus, he's choosing the Vikings on purpose as part of Brett's master plan to get revenge.
Sad. Sad man.
Hey Ted, u suck, go blow your butt buddys!
Kick the crap out of the GB teddies Brett.
Go Brett Go
Another "I'll write an article about being tired of seeing all the Favre articles"
This article is FAILURE...
Ted Thompson is a DOUCHEBAG...
Brett Favre I LOVE YOU...
Haiku of the Day, sponsored by Kleenex
P.S. Don't ruin Bleacher Report with crap articles like this...
So Jessie,
When was last time you talked to Brett in detail about his life? Let me guess...I didn't see any quotes from him, so I'm guessing NEVER. You have no clue what Brett is thinking or what happened in GB, and if you contacted him for an interview, I'm sure he would say, "Who are you?" So you, like all the hacks out there, make stuff up and pass off as facts. That is brilliant writing.
Kyle - you put it best - thanks. As for you Mr. Motiff, quite interesting that you can call me a non-Packer fan because I still love and want to see #4 play. I'd rather see him play in GB, but TT made sure that wouldn't happen. As for your ignorant comment above - if Brett only wanted to play to stick it to TT, explain his last season to me. yeah, he started better than he finished, but he played his butt off. And I'd bet you he'll show up for more than the 2 games he plays against GB.
So tired of the Favre bashers -you are the trully selfish ones.
Funny, You take the time to defend your article in the comments section but don't even mention that you have the wrong date for the home game against Minnesota. Are you sure you are a Sports Reporter? Maybe you should go back to the Life Section or Arts & Leisure. Facts may not be as relevant in these areas and you obviously ignore facts when writing your piece.
This is more of a rant from a bitter Packers fan than a thoughtful, intelligent article.
dude no offense, shut up. he can play if he wants to. if the packers don't let him play what sense does it make to retire for that reason. the man can still play far better than rodgers. he does not live to impress you or others he lives to live his life. let him do whatever he wants its his life and not by any means a life that you have a say in.
If tools like you get their way I'll be upset.
Favre should decide for himself, not reporters (if anyone else, the fans but NOT reporters). Let him play!!
I predict Aaron Rodgers will sprain his ankle, maybe twice this season, and Favre will turn-in two great games against the Packers. And win!!
We put him in a position to win, and he threw an interception.
Instead of forcing the ball to Driver maybe he should have seen the whole field. The play was sucessful 2 or 3 others were wide open but, "Mr Gunslinger" went for the homerun!
If Brett wants to play he has earned that right.
the train is leaving whoever is with us, that is who we are concerning ourselves with!
Who will he throw the ball too?
Will he be throwing himself the ball? We need to go get Randy Moss!
Sounds like the author is sad that his hero quarterback left him and moved on.I think maybe you should move on also.What did you expect a competitor like brett to do?Just go back to Mississippi with his tail between his legs and give up?I was an avid packer fan for 20 years(up to the point when management became retarded) I never missed a game. But where Brett goes, I go, until he retires.Even though the thought of him in purple is unpleasing,I don't care. I’ll get to see him play another year.My loyalty will be with brett favre and not the packers management. I’ll watch the pack when Brett retires and the retarded management is fired. Brett would have done a better job last year with the pack than Rodgers did. Again, don’t knock the man, enjoy the entertainment.
Minnesota's window is closing!
Pete, a fan like you, we need not! Go across the border with your Jets #4 jersey and cheer on the Diva. Will you be wearing Jet green or Vikings purple?
You make me sick.
You are pathetic!
You act like a fan and lash out at the orginization? Going to mix in Rodgers with all of your toilet water coming out of your mouth? You wouldn't know a good team if it bit you on the ass!
Favre has his shot.....he took it. It was a pick! He for all his sorry ass was worth, forced another ball and it was picked!
You can have Mike Sherman, add a little Mark Chumura, stir in Brett Favre - and have a nice glass of shut the hell up and give your season tickets away!
Just like Vince Lombardi coaching Washington, don't you think?
"He is nothing more than an instrument for amusement on Sundays in the fall and winter, not the God-like figure you like to imagine him to be. Don’t think so highly of him, he doesn’t think anything of you, just look at his actions."
Brett who?
Minnesota who?
Some of his best passes are to reporters and high school kids, i havent seen or heardfrom the guy in awhile
Hey Motiff...twice you said Brett went back on his word? To who? Did he personally assure you he would stay retired? If not, then how is changing his mind about playing going back on his word? Did he go back on his word to the team? No. Again he never promised he would stay retired, he just retired and changed his mind. And if the team didn't want him back, so what? They didn't and got him out of the way. And Brett never promised anything to anyone. In his introductory press conference as a Jet he specifically said "I'm not making any promises." Look it up. Sounds to me like the one going back on his word is you! You profess to be a journalist, which means you are obligated to provide balanced and factual information. Instead you have outright lied and mis-characterised the situation. you should be ashamed of yourself...really!
If Brett wants to play he has earned that right.
the train is leaving whoever is with us, that is who we are concerning ourselves with!
Favre was a blast to watch when he played for the Packers. He also was far from perfect (watch out for those rose colored glasses so many of you Favre cultists seem to be wearing) and he generally got way too much credit for both victories and losses. It's a team sport and the Pack won or lost as a team. Having noted that, Favre did (does?) have the ability to elevate those around him and a passion that made him the legend he already is. Ted T. has built a solid team and I really don't get how folks can think there is some anti-Favre conspiracy. Get over it, he's gone. I also have been a Packer fan my whole life. During the decades I've watched there have been many great players and some have moved on to other teams. I follow the team, not the player...to do so would be just a variation of the fair weather fan.
Hey Ted. "A fan like me you need not?" Do you know how much money i spent on that organization for 20 years? That's the type of philosophy we don't need here in Green bay. Just like what was done to Brett."thanks for the past" but we don't need you anymore. Are you saying now the organization doesn't need fans either. Or just ones with opinions on bonehead decision making? people like you make me sick. ted,mike, and Rodgers should rent a room and blow each other. They already blew last season.
Minnesota needs Randy Moss! I can work on it!
Pete. a Rodgers was the 7th rated QB in all of football last year........
I saw more of Favre's ass up around my offices than in the lockerroom or field. He didn't want to do the training camp, and often thought he could do my job.
I suggest you, Brett Favre, Childress and Mike Sherman get a room.......or maybe you already have?!?
Was Deanna the pivot girl?
Pete:
The train is leaving whoever is on board is where we are concerned!
What will Favre do that: Robert Ferguson, Ryan Longwell, Darren Sharper, and all the others from the trash heap couldn't do?
Radman 1:Favre was a blast to watch when he played for the Packers. He also was far from perfect (watch out for those rose colored glasses so many of you Favre cultists seem to be wearing) and he generally got way too much credit for both victories and losses. It's a team sport and the Pack won or lost as a team. Having noted that, Favre did (does?) have the ability to elevate those around him and a passion that made him the legend he already is. Ted T. has built a solid team and I really don't get how folks can think there is some anti-Favre conspiracy. Get over it, he's gone. I also have been a Packer fan my whole life. During the decades I've watched there have been many great players and some have moved on to other teams. I follow the team, not the player...to do so would be just a variation of the fair weather fan. "
Amen brother - AMEN!
"
So the Packers are bigger than just one guy?
Isn't the NFL bigger than just one team?
Yes.
Therefore Favre should play for any team that will have him.
Instead of living and dying as a Packer.
If we all got to choose when people "should" retire, I'd advise you to hang up writing immediately. You suck at it.
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