Favre Leads NFL In Incomplete Retirements

Okay, so I stole that title from Stephen Colbert.  It’s funny, and I could use a smile after just surviving one of the busiest days of my television career so far.  But I have had some time now to let this all sink in so here are my thoughts.

First of all since this is my “Sporting Word” debut, let me introduce myself.  My name is Ryan Rodig and I am the new sports reporter/weekend sports anchor at News Channel 8.  I was born in Milwaukee and remember going to Packers games at the old Milwaukee County Stadium.  My family moved to Green Bay in 1996.  Packers fans know the year well.  My school at the time was featured on Good Morning America the day after a Brett Favre-led Green Bay team defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXI.  My parents still live off of Lombardi Avenue, a hop-skip-and a jump away from Holmgren Way and Brett Favre Pass.

I remember crying at least twice during Brett Favre’s career as a Green Bay Packer (The Oakland Raiders Monday Night Football game the day after his father unexpectedly died, and his first retirement speech).  They were events that moved any sports fan, and the ones closest  to the team felt like Brett would be “their guy” 4-ever.

Why do I share all of this?  Because if anyone should be offended that Brett Favre has come out of retirement again, this time to play for the Minnesota Vikings, you would think it would be me.  But I’m not.  The common line you hear from Favre is “I know I can still play.”  Who amongst us doesn’t want to go back and do something that we truly loved at one point, but no longer are able to do.  Well, Favre still has a chance and he wants to take advantage of it while he still can.  I can’t blame him I guess.

And remember Green and Gold faithful, as much as we fought it at the time, the Packers WERE moving along without Favre when he decided to hastily retire the first time.  Did they handle it wrong?  Probably.  Let’s face it, if Favre still wants to play, Minnesota is the perfect fit for him.  He knows the offense, the running game and defense are among the best in football, and playing indoors will benefit him (couldn’t say that early in his career) and should save his body over the long season.  Just imagine if the Jets don’t trade up for Mark Sanchez in this years NFL Draft.  Would they release Favre from the reserve/retirement list?  I doubt it.  This story has so many levels.

The thing I think most fans are truly upset about, whether Vikings or Packers fans, is they feel lied to in this situation.  #4 said he was staying retired, and Brad Childress said the team was closing the door and moving forward with the guys they have.  You can’t fault the team for trying to improve any position at any time, but what does this say about a team already considered a playoff contender?  They are taking a big risk on a suddenly frail Favre (now revealed he has a tear in his rotator cuff and is coming off bicep surgery on his throwing arm) who is coming into camp very late.  Were we being lied to all along because Favre didn’t want to waste his time in training camp he loves so much?  You be the judge.

It certainly adds a whole new intrigue to the upcoming NFL season.  After all we must remember first, this is entertainment.  And what could be more entertaining than the Packers going into the Metrodome with their new attacking defense, against a Favre-led Vikings team on Monday Night Football October 5th.  After 16 memorable seasons with the Packers, and one forgettable one with the Jets, Favre will attempt to be the only QB in league history to defeat every NFL franchise.

I get it.  Brett Favre feels like family to green and gold faithful.  We stuck with him through his addiction to painkillers and alcohol, deaths in his family, and all those pink Green Bay hats you see all started in support of Favres wife who had breast cancer.  We feel like we knew the man we watched play the game like a kid in the park for 16 years.  But now with his decision to play for Minnesota he now falls into the same category with all other athletes to some of us.  We feel we don’t truly know him, and it hurts.  Is he lying just a little about not coming back for revenge?  Did he string along Vikings fans and players by waiting until now to say he will play for the team?  We won’t know for sure.

“I know I can still play.”  After this latest Favre frenzy, he better be right.  And the Vikings have to be right about this.  And remember this is a 2-year deal.  How did that work out with the Jets?  My biggest concern is what it will take for Favre to finally say “I know I can’t play anymore.”  None of us want to see him hurt and carried off the field.

The NFL season just got more interesting, that’s for sure.  We hope you continue to follow it along with us!

And don’t forget Chiefs at Minnesota with Favre starting at QB this Friday on News Channel 8 starting at 7 PM.