I realize that a vast number of you who read my posts do not live in the US. Yet, today I want to write a short post regarding a current national sports issue. I have been a fan of the Green Bay Packers since before I started first grade. So, the Brett Favre story is one that I have an emotional investment in as well as a logical one.
Brett has been the Packer quarterback for some 17 or so years. He has set record upon record and has been the face of the organization for quite some time. His energy, sense of humor and personality have made him a fan favorite for people who otherwise couldn’t care less for the Packers.
The personal and family losses and tragedies which he has allowed us to share in have only made him all the more worthy of our praise and support. The last few years the talk of his imminent retirement has been a constant American soap opera. Some months ago he made it official and said it was time for him and his family to move on.
Though many of us Packer fans were saddened that he didn’t leave in John Elway fashion winning the Super Bowl in his last two years, we were proud of the way he left the game. The Packers had a great season and were one game away from the Super Bowl. Brett had one of his best seasons and showed that his skill level was still at a very high level. It was nice to see a football warrior leave the game without any overt disability.
Yet, now Brett says he wants to return, and before anyone could catch their breath he quickly upped the ante and said that he wants his release from the Packers so that he can play elsewhere. Brett and much of the media are painting a picture of the Packer management as being disloyal and unappreciative of Brett’s talents.
My take of the situation is a little different. I think the Packers are doing the honorable thing of trying to be loyal and honest to a number of people. Over the last couple of years they have been grooming Aaron Rodgers to take Brett’s place as the quarterback of the Packers. When Brett announced his retirement they had Aaron be the guy during their mini-camp and used two of their draft picks to find one or two back-ups for the future.
When Favre said he had the itch to play and then quickly added that he wanted to return, the Packers should have been given some time to talk things over with some of the coaches and key players. The Packers eventually went in the direction of my immediate reaction. As a Packer fan my initial response was that they needed to keep their word and let Rodgers be the starting quarterback.
Favre has always said that records meant nothing to him and that winning and the joy of playing football were what motivated and rewarded him. It would seem that at 38 years old he would appreciate the benefits of not having to play every down and endure the danger and grind of the long season.
What is wrong with coming back with less pressure and making sure that one is healthy and relatively fresh for the playoffs? What is wrong with being the star who can come in and alter the direction of any game, or fill in full time if Aaron gets injured?
Though Brett has the record for most consecutive starts he has not been without injuries. He has played through many significant injuries, especially to his hands. One could make a strong case that his relatively poor showing against the Giants in the title game had to do with his 37 year old partially arthritic hands failing to grip the football in the frigid cold. Sure he’s always played well in cold temps, but he hasn’t always been 37 with a long history of hand injuries.
Brett appears insulted and indignant with the Packers offer to come back as Rodgers back-up. He is not being the loyal Packer we all grew to love and admire. Instead he’s talking of calling managements bluff and coming to camp, and saying he love’s his teammates while being critical of management.
Instead of coming back and slowly getting himself in peak condition during a long and grueling season, instead of being a leader in team spirit of a potential Super Bowl quality team Brett is choosing the low road of making divisive public accusations and engaging in a childish temper tantrum far beneath his legendary classy demeanor.
I don’t want to choose between Brett and the Packers organization, and I am disappointed in Favre for pressing us to make this choice. I think it is ridiculous to suggest that management wants Favre out or is unappreciative of what he has meant to the organization. I do not think it is unfair to want to keep one’s word, or try to act in ways which are keeping the longer term goals of the team in mind.
I sincerely hope that Brett allows the Packers management to be honorable men and to try to keep him a life long member of the Packer family. I would love to see Brett come in and be he hero the way greats such as George Blanda did in the past.
Jim Guido