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Why Are We Angry With Favre?

Why are we down on Brett Favre this week? Is it because he wants to still play football after retiring for a second time, or is it because we’re blinded by the idea that he’s coming back solely to beat Ted Thompson and the Packers? Today, I discuss both and explain why I think he’s coming back soon. Matt Bowen

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Why are we down on Brett Favre this week? Is it because he wants to still play football after retiring for a second time, or is it because we’re blinded by the idea that he’s coming back solely to beat Ted Thompson and the Packers? Today, I discuss both and explain why I think he’s coming back soon.

Retirement?

There’s no such thing as retirement with Brett Favre — that’s just how it is.

I wish I could sit here and tell you something different, or come up with some kind of explanation why we continue to be subjected to this every May. But I don’t have an answer.

Our own Michael Lombardi did a great job this morning talking about the “trust” factor Favre has broken with us — the fans of the game — by even entertaining the idea of coming back yet again.

Is that it? Is that the reason we’re so upset, angry and disgusted with another round of the circus act that seems to pollute our spring and summer every year?

Think about it: Favre is not only the top story in the NFL but the sports world in general. He’s bigger than the NBA and NHL playoffs, bigger than the Cubs and A-Rod right now.

And you know what? I absolutely love it.

Sure, I’m biased when it comes to Favre because he’s the one player I talk about (along with Marshall Faulk) when it comes to my own NFL career. At cocktail parties, on Clark Street before Cubs games, in graduate class at DePaul, the one player I always get asked about is Brett Favre — always.  

Yes, I’m tired of the act — just as you probably are — but there’s a reason Favre is meeting this week with Vikings coach Brad Childress, and there should be an end point and a resolution soon. And I think that resolution is going to come in purple.

Vikings Purple.

The Favre Effect

Let’s be honest, folks.

To a certain extent, Brett Favre is still the guy when it comes to the NFL. But before you jump down my throat, think about it — he does have an “effect” on owners, GMs and coaches.

Favre is still the equivalent of dating the head cheerleader in high school when it comes to quarterbacks -- because even after his end-of-the-season slump and the arm troubles, there’s still an aura about him.

And Childress has fallen for it.

He will fly to Anywhere, USA, to meet with Favre. That’s just the reality of it. He will meet Favre’s demands when it comes to money, how he practices, when he shows up and how his offense is run. In this way, he’s no different than Roger Clemens with the Houston Astros when it comes to getting his way, something our own Andrew Brandt wrote about last week in comparing how elite players are treated.

Because the fact that Childress has agreed to have this secret meeting (has it come to this?), a meeting that’s going to receive national headlines, tells me that this is a done deal — if Favre wants it to be. And we all know that this is “Chilly’s” last stand in 2009. Win or else.

 Do you think Favre is better than Sage Rosenfels or Tarvaris Jackson? I do, and so does Childress. From his perspective, that’s a reason to do this.

Lombardi brought up some great points about Vikings owner Zigi Wilf this morning when discussing what Favre can bring to the table -- areas he can improve this team on the field that can translate into more wins.

And I would also throw in the fact that Favre will sell jerseys and seats — something this franchise needs — along with a new stadium to replace the monstrosity known as the Metrodome. Does this help prevent the team from eventually moving to L.A.? I’m not sure, but it might help.

But beyond Childress, and beyond Wilf, we all know why Brett is doing this to us again — and so do Packers fans.

The Revenge Factor

This is a good topic. I’ve been asked over the last couple of days if I believe that Favre would come out of retirement to play for the Vikings just to get back at Packers GM Ted Thompson and the Packers.

Yes, and yes again.

Come on, people. There’s no reason to come out of retirement again if it weren’t for Thompson and the Pack. That’s it. Last season with the Jets was a fallback plan — having the opportunity to play for the Vikings.

Sure, you can fill my mind with images of love for the game and the “desire” to keep playing, but we all know better. We’re all educated fans. This is about answering a grudge that’s buried deep inside Favre.

Is that such a bad thing? Not if it leads to an NFC North title in Minneapolis. I don’t think we should ever question the reasons someone plays the game -- if they’re productive on Sundays, who really cares what their mindset or reasons are?

But in saying all that, we have to get over the fact that Favre is not a Packer anymore and will most likely be a Viking. In that regard, I can understand the anger that’s emanating from Green Bay, DePere, Sturgeon Bay, Beloit, Wausau and the rest of Packer Nation.

We don’t know what Favre can still do on the field (although we all have our own opinions), and I don’t really care about the health of his arm right now because it’s only May. But we do know that if there’s an opportunity to run out of the tunnel at Lambeau Filed in a purple No. 4 jersey, it’s going to happen.

Yes, there will always be a sense of betrayal among Packers fans, and NFL fans in general. Favre did break that trust factor with us, and we as fans will be split down the middle about our feelings.

But whether we’re angry or not, he’s probably going to come back -- so get your popcorn ready.

Comments

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Blaise63
May 06, 2009
12:40 PM

Bottom line is that last time I checked this was still a free country, where one is free-absent a contract-to work for whomever offers a job.

That said, it is sad watching an aging star not letting go of the floodlights. And unlike the aging star of "Hollywood Boulevard" Favre's motivation appears to be spite. Revenge is a dish best served cold so I hope the Pack has the Vikings in GB come late season.

Jayme
May 06, 2009
12:42 PM

You know, it's ironic how Favre and Cook seemed to think they were deceiving everyone. They denied, in at least one case, emphatically, that he was planning on coming back, yet rumors persisted that he was going to be a Viking next year. This alone should tell you that we knew, we all knew, what was going to happen when he was released. Yet he still felt the need to deny it. I just don't get it.

Ray
May 06, 2009
12:48 PM

I am not mad at Favre, I am just sick of the story. Favre is becoming even more of a joke as the years go by. He doesn't need the money, he has all of the records, and he has got a SB ring. I know he wants to pull a John Elway and go out on top, but it is not going to happen.

Jim Richards
May 06, 2009
12:51 PM

We're angry with Favre because he comes across as a needy, attention-starved diva and a liar. I hope the Packers issue jersey #4 to anyone that wants it, and tear up the $20M marketing contract they offered him last year.

Mark
May 06, 2009
12:57 PM

As a Packer fan, I don't take any of this personally. If Brett has something to prove to TT, that's fine. But the Vikings-Packer rivalry is bigger than Brett Favre, and I won't ever cheer for purple.

It's strictly business this year. Brett will come back. He will play for the Vikes. But watch...the Packers will kick the ever-living sh*t out of the Vikings. Twice. Everyone talks about how Brett has something to prove. Well maybe Aaron does too. Expect Rodgers to throw for over 300 yards in both those games.

Everyone is so caught up talking about the old legend, that they are missing the birth of a new one.

dan
May 06, 2009
12:57 PM

I understand his reasons. I can admit that there's a decent chance that I'd do the same thing if I were him.

But what can I tell ya'. I'm still angry about it.

I don't know. I've never seen anyone get the whole story right. There's many twists and turns. But one thing is for sure: Favre pushed the situation to the point it's at now. Whether intentionally or not, I don't know. Whether he's Forrest Gump or Prof. Moriarty, I don't know. I also don't care. At this point, you can cheer for Brett or you can cheer for the Packers. You can't do both. And the fact that he put us fans in this position after all he did to make us like him and believe in him is a betrayal.

...and the way he did it, too... with the lies and the breeding of mistrust along the way... He's a fraud. He's Roger Clemens on the Yankees. Whether this deal with the Vikes goes down or not (and it will), I'm done with him.

Matt in GB
May 06, 2009
12:59 PM

I just hope his career doesn't end due to a serious injury while playing for Minnesota. It'd be a shame for him to have to leave the game the way that Steve Young or Troy Aikman did.

Brendan
May 06, 2009
12:59 PM

Matt,
Your points are spot on. I think most people are pissed at this development BECAUSE it is the biggest news of the day. Most people are interested in Farve and what he can do on the field. But it's May like you said - who cares what this guy is doing?!? Stop with the ESPN stalking and making it a national media circus, because that is truly all this 'everyman' wants: attention. I know many people would do the same if they had the chance to hold Rachel Nichols and ESPN breathless for 2 weeks, but just send out a tweet when you've decided, Brett. And go find Emmitt to get you some Just For Men so you look like you're 40 and not 50...

Mark B
May 06, 2009
01:04 PM

The first couple of "am I going to retire" off seasons I figured, OK, he's Brett Favre, he deserves a little more time to decide. Now he's entering Roger Clemens' diva range. Retire or don't dude. But quit lying to us and quit holding teams hostage to your whims. As a Bears fan I hope we face you at Soldier's field in January. While the young Cutler is slinging balls left and right your calcified, battered arm will be struggling with 20 yard throws in the freezing temps.

Luke L.
May 06, 2009
01:04 PM

It's really too bad Favre is locked in on Minnesota. He should go to the Bills and team up with T.O. instead. The media universe would explode.

Actually, that's not a bad idea. Each year, the Favre/T.O. tandem could auction their services off to a different team via a 1-year contract. Seats would fill! Ratings would soar! The lame would walk and the blind would see!

Troy Kelsey
May 06, 2009
01:06 PM

Matt - Here is what is wrong with it...

Favre is motivated by the feeling he was "wronged" by Green Bay management. He brought this all on himself with his behavior last summer and continuous offseason waffling. Somehow he felt Ted Thompson should have been answering to him - just watch the "wonderful" Gretta bit... So, this guy makes his own bed and then decides he doesn't like how it feels... He feels he was "wronged" by Green Bay management. He wasn't.

Now, in order to try to get payback for the situation he created, he is willing to urinate in the face of all Packer fans by suiting up for their rival. It is not about the game, it is about Brett's ego and his view that hurting the feelings of Packer fans who adored him is insignificant... That is what is wrong with it.

As far as Favre playing or not... Who cares? It is his motivation, phony personna and disregard for the Packer organization and fans that is sickening.

dan
May 06, 2009
01:07 PM

Just to illustrate how turned off I am now that this 3-year trip to Minny is almost complete, let me say this:

The thing that always terrified me about Favre was how I was waiting for the PED shoe to drop. With the starting streak and his ability to overcome injuries and how he seems to defy age (especially in '07), I was just dreading that someday it would come out that Brett was juicing. Now, if that happens, it won't change my opinion of him one bit. He's already destroyed everything he built as far as I'm concerned.

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