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Wednesday Whys

I have lived this the past 10 years. No one stops the presses – whether there’s actual news or not – like this guy. I’m actually convinced that there’s a “Favre Alarm” at ESPN headquarters to alert the campus of any signs of smoke coming from southern Mississippi. Andrew Brandt

Bookmark and Share Print This Send This May 06, 2009, 10:14 AM EST
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Why all the fuss about Brett Favre? I have lived this the past 10 years. No one stops the presses – whether there’s actual news or not – like this guy. I’m actually convinced that there’s a “Favre Alarm” at ESPN headquarters to alert the campus of any signs of smoke coming from southern Mississippi. 

As I wrote in February when he retired (2009 version), Brett is a good guy with flaws, like all of us. When he decided last year that four months of retirement were enough, he wanted to return to the position he left, starting quarterback for the Packers. That option wasn’t available. His second choice was the Minnesota Vikings. The Packers controlled – and blocked – that option. He reluctantly became a New York Jet and made the best of a situation that was less than optimal. 

Now, he’s a free agent, as the contract I negotiated in 2001 (we were hoping he would play three years) was terminated last week. The Jets’ five-month rental is over as they move forward; the Vikings have apparently surfaced again. And it appears Brett still has the media breathless for a possible second un-retirement. We shall see.

Why is the NFL placing 16 “Legacy Games” on the schedule this fall? A few reasons. These games will mark and honor the 50th anniversary of the American Football League, which started in 1960 (actually, it’s the 49th anniversary, but who’s counting?). AFL teams that are now part of the NFL will wear their old AFL uniforms for these 16 games. This obviously represents a golden – pardon the pun – opportunity to market and sell a new line of apparel, much in the manner of the retro lines that have become so popular.

To quell the cynicism about a simple money grab, the NFL has smartly announced an auction for the jerseys worn during these games, with the funds raised going to the NFL Player Care Foundation. With the public relations stigma that the league has had about not doing enough for retired players – especially with images of some of the players infirmed or handicapped – this is a deft strategic maneuver by the league to honor the AFL and raise money and awareness for the assistance of the former players.

Why does Arizona Cardinals defensive end Darnell Dockett want to be traded? Dockett wants a contract, first and foremost. Since it appears he will not get that wish from his present team, the Cardinals, he wants to get out of that situation to a club that might be more receptive to his financial demands.

Dockett is following the strategy – unsuccessful thus far – of his teammate, Anquan Boldin (he, like Boldin, retains agent Drew Rosenhaus). Unlike Boldin, who has two years remaining on his contract, Dockett has three, which makes for a weaker argument.

But to be clear, Dockett wants a contract more than he wants to be traded. He would be perfectly happy remaining in Arizona with a new deal.

And I thought I would add a new feature to the Wednesday Whys, a “Why to Ponder”:

Why do we park in driveways and drive on parkways?

Comments

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BillM75
May 06, 2009
10:43 AM

Andrew, great article but your math is off: "which started in 1960 (actually, it’s the 49th anniversary, but who’s counting?)."

If you count 1960 as the first year you will see that 2009 is the 50th anniversary. It's a common mistake to be made, but, it's a mistake nonetheless. Don't be fooled by 2009 - 1960 = 49, because you then have to add 1 for the first year.

Don't believe it? Write down the numbers on a sheet of paper from 1960 to 2009 and then count them. You'll see how it works out.

Anyways....I'm looking forward to the legacy games, I've always been a fan of the old uniforms that were worn when the teams were just getting established.

Jayme
May 06, 2009
11:13 AM

BillM75 this is the 50th year, but still the 49th anniversary. A child in his 2nd year has still only seen his 1st birthday.

Remianen
May 06, 2009
11:39 AM

BillM75, you're incorrect.

Tell me, when you get married, is your wedding day your first anniversary? No? Why not?

You can't count 1960 as the first anniversary since that was the year it started. Your first birthday isn't the day you were born. It's one year later.

JT
May 06, 2009
11:40 AM

Jayme's right.

50th season (which is what matters), 49th anniversary.

Eric
May 06, 2009
11:58 AM

Re: Brett--The "Why" must be ticket sales, like the Jets. Mr. Wilf needs excitement for a new stadium. The Vikes had several near tv blackouts last year. It would also give the Vikings fans something to cheer about. I think Peterson has seen his best days and teams are on to him. The Vikes headlines this year will likely be off-field issues based on the draft this year. I bet the first round pick ducked into the hospital for a quick detox.

Michael
May 06, 2009
01:07 PM

Andrew, your column and everything about the NFP is a daily must read - but please kill the Why To Ponder - very weak, nevermind unoriginal.

Carl
May 06, 2009
01:08 PM

Re: Brett-Even Dan Marino would be an upgrade over the Vikings' current QB situation so why not pursue Favre? He clearly is willing to play and added instant value for the J-E-T-S. He still has a live arm (assuming here) and can throw and work under pressure as evidenced last year. Anyone who does not have $$ tied up in a long term solution would be foolish not to at least ask about him. He has to want to play though so that seems to be the most pressing issue.

BillM75
May 06, 2009
02:01 PM

I guess you got me then guys, but if you notice just about every one who celebrates their company or team anniversary counts it the way I put it out there. Either way, they're in their 50th year of existence. And that seems to be what the league is counting it as too.

Scot
May 06, 2009
03:41 PM

You know what my problem is with Favre right now? It's a sneaking suspicion that he mailed it in the last 4 weeks of last season for the Jets. Think about it. If the Jets make the playoffs, there is no way that they EVER release Favre, and no way that Favre could feasibly "retire." The perception that Favre was "done" from a skills standpoint was the essential groundwork for obtaining his unconditional release. If I was a Jets fan, I'd be highly suspicious, and more than a little p**sed.

John
May 06, 2009
04:04 PM

Andrew,

"Why do we park in driveways and drive on parkways?" Hmm...any other Steven Wright jokes you want to steal? If so, may I suggest "Why are there interstate highways in Hawaii?"

al
May 06, 2009
09:00 PM

Can anyone please explain to me, why will any athlete sign drew rosenhaus as an agent is beyond me?

Andrew Brandt
May 06, 2009
09:41 PM
Andrew Brandt

al-
He is at 105 clients and climbing.
Andrew


John-
Keep them coming, whether from Steven Wright or otherwise. Thanks.
Andrew

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