As we enter May it is just about that time of year in which Brett Favre makes his, now annual, news appearance. Of course I am speaking of his "retirements" which really just means the period of time in between the football season and training camps. A long time ago in a different world Brett Favre was going to be remembered as the new face of the Green Bay Packers. However he has since had a highly publicized split with the Packers and GM Ted Thompson. Eventually this rift lead to Favre being traded to the New York Jets for picks in the draft to be determined on how the Jets did that season. Since his trade Favre had an average season failing to capitalize on the great start the Jets got off to and missed the playoffs. After the season was over he claimed to be retired and the Jets released him. Which brings us to the present... Brett Favre as a free agent. Much has been said about aging athletes and their undying desire to play the game they love forever. Brett Favre is no exception.
It is no big secret that Favre intends to play until his arm falls off. Therefore he should not keep playing the retirement card. Pick a side. Now it is also very clear that he wants to stick it to Ted Thompson for how he was treated at the end of his career when the Packers chose to back the quarterback of their future Aaron Rodgers. With the acquisition of Jay Cutler the Bears were not an option for Favre and the Lions are an absolute train wreck and can not afford to have a one and done quarterback. Leaving the all time touchdown leader with one option: the Minnesota Vikings. Why this team? Two reasons, they are competitive and play in the same division as the Packers. This ensures two games against the Packers and two attempts to show the Packers they made a mistake. If the circumstances are any indication of what will happen then Favre will be playing for the Vikings this season. X-rays have been sent to the Vikings to diagnose a problem in Favre's throwing arm. Should "major" surgery be needed Favre will remain retired. Obviously if "major" surgery is not needed then Favre will play. Aside from the theatrics surrounding this situation, it would make a lot of sense for the Vikings to pick up Favre.
Something bigger is happening here that has nothing to do with football. Favre is eclipsing not only records but himself. For the past three to four years Favre has contemplated retirement very publicly. The breaking point came at the end of last season when, in a tear filled press conference, Favre made the decision to retire for good. This lasted approximately a month as Favre, like a crazed ex-boyfriend, wanted to return to the Packers but the Packers had already moved on. Maybe it is a product of being in the moment but his actions seem to be overshadowing just how great a quarterback he actually is. This is a man who has not missed a start since his first one way back when over 17 years ago. He holds the record for most wins, touchdowns, yards, and completed passes. He has appeared in two Superbowls and won 1. However people will remember his childish antics and constant attempts to stick it to Ted Thompson. Leaving behind a legacy can be tricky, simply look at Bill Buckner who was a good fielding first baseman until the '86 World Series. Clearly Favre is marring his legacy by all these antics.
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