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Yoyo Brett Favre and his re-re-return to football...now last shot at glory corrupted? |
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Now an Archive: (Let's see how the Mississippi scandal plays out before I can properly comment. not lookin' good, Brett.) This blog chronicles the ups and downs since his tearful departure from Green Bay in early 2007 to his brief flirtation with the Jets to another renaissance in the land of 10,000 lakes. Little did I know this rollercoaster ride would have this many ups, downs and turns. And then there were the accusations of a bounty on Favre in that NFC Championship game against the Saints. This blog is mostly an archive but will be updated from time to time. There's no chance he'll come out of retirement now? Favre is still the NFL's version of Elvis. It's his 20th and likely final NFL season. Does the long trail end in Minnesota after one remarkable season? We wait again to see if Brett Favre is 'all in' for another Super Bowl run. Along the way, he still knows how to make headlines. Reread and recall the events leading up til now. It's on again...it's off again...now it's on with one last Super Bowl push in 2009-10 Stay tuned as the title of this blog changes with the mind of Brett Favre.}/hide} Move forward? How about trudge forward, with the indignity that clasps about your indifferent ankles. My old lead in...I had many purposes for this recent blog, but now it is devoted to the Brett Favre retirement saga and all the bull that Ted Thompson can fling at the wall to see what sticks. Clearly, we've moved away from that since the Packers were bounced in the first round of the playoffs. They got schooled by the master Favre who lead the Vikings to the NFC North division title. Putting up the best stats of his careers, people keep waiting for him to run out of gas. As of this writing, he's heading into New Orleans. Now, on to my bloggin' until this thing is done. Who's the yo-yo (Favre) and who's the string (Packers)? And who is yanking my chain (?!) I grew up in Upper Michigan and followed teams like the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Bucks and Brewers, because of the geography and what little sports programming the rabbit ears could pick up. But when I became a reader, sports took on all kinds of dimensions as I became a huge fan of Johnny Bench and the Cincinnati Reds or that college phenom 'Pistol' Pete Maravich. I followed the Packers since their mediocrity in the post-Lombardi days before another legend was born with the Mississippi mudslinger Brett Favre. I unwittingly started blogging about him in the wake of his retirement and little did I know I would still be writing about him now. I take aim at sports with a naive perspective, hopeful that the icons can still inspire little ones to follow the glory and dreams of tomorrow. I'd like to separate the intense media focus and remove the cynicism while avoiding the maudlin over-hype to see what's real and appreciable about players and sports today. I don't know what I just said...  but moving on...
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| The long awaited pairing of receiver and quarterback is no longer fantasy, but reality. Randy Moss' return to his old team in Minnesota seems to be the relief the Vikings need in their receiving corps. Questions still remain to be answered. While it is true that Moss gets a freeh start with each new team, will he be happy in the land of 10,000 lakes? Early indications are that he is happy to be home and maybe his early season squabbling in New England was designed to get him out of his predicament with the Patriots, as primarily a double-teamed decoy. In Minnesota, Favre gets to play jump ball with the guy he wanted way back in 2007 when the QB and Packers GM Ted Thompson didn't see eye-to-eye on the receiver's talents. He became a steal from the Oakland Raiders, as the Patriots gave up a fourth round draft pick. He eventually helped Tom Brady to a monster season that was almost perfect. But, does Favre use Moss or does he get double-covered and forgotten, stretching the field for other players. If it's bombs away, will Favre be able to put it in Moss' hands or will the interception numbers pile up? The Vikings are patching over patches on their leaking ship in hopes of getting it back on course for the Super Bowl. Chances are Moss can still be an elite receiver, but this may be nothing like it could have been three years ago in Green Bay. If anything, Moss helps Minnesota through some rough waters while the return of Sydney Rice helps rescue a struggling Viking offense. The Vikings upcoming games against the Jets, Packers, Cowboys and Patriots with Moss will be a good indicator of where the team is going before Rice gets in the mix. After the Vikings picked up Greg Camarillo from the Dolphins, the team still seemed to struggle despite having a trustworthy possession receiver. Will they know how to use Moss, keep him happy, while throwing this talent into the mix? It's suspect at best whether this crew can come together on offense. Questions lingered about Favre and how he looked to start the season. Not realizing that Rice would go on injured reserve for the fist half of the season and questions surrounding Percy Harvin. Was Favre all in like he said, or did he get caught off guard by all the early troubles? Either way, Favre knows people go down with injury every day. The Vikings are all in and doing all they can to secure the talent for this one run because a future stadium is also on the line. Favre may be another year older, but he just got a lot young with Moss in the mix. He'll finally have the pairing he's long desired and this will bring a sigh of relief from a lot of folks. And the Favre Childress feud won't go away... http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/10/06/report-growing-tension-between-b... Childress was questioned about the trade for Moss today and if the is a new contract in the works.. http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/10/06/childress-on-moss-contract-well-... Early rumors that the Vikings were negotiating a deal for Moss didn't seem to sit right. The lockup is coming up and why can't Moss play out his current contract and decided what direction to go after the season. It would be like putting the cart before the horse on this one who is a little unpredictable, especially as an aging receiver. |
| Interesting theory offered up. http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/09/21/whitlock-offers-bold-favre-predi... I think there a lot of people out there who want to throw in the towel already. Let's wait to see how the game against the Lions this Sunday turns out. If the Vikings allow themselves to slide under a perennial division cellar dweller, look for a lot of people to start turning out the lights in Minnesota. If the Vikings can survive a scary first half sked with at least a 4-4 record, they can regroup and be healthy for a long and deep playoff run. Mr. Favre may be old but has a fire in that belly, and a iron man at that. If anything, it will be a bone rattling hit that will send his career to the showers before anything else could stop him this season...his last. |
| Favre has planted another seed in the media. http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/08/30/favre-already-is-getting-ankle-i... The only reason we know about this jiffy lube job, with his spin on how it might or might not affect his performance this season, is because Favre wants to get in the collective heads of fans, media and players who might be hunting down said ankle. So, why make himself a target? Does Favre want defenses to tee off on him? There's a few ways of looking at why Favre is airing details of this injury in the public forum. Most will say he needs a built in excuse if he fails to finish this season, or fails to perform like he did last year. That is plausible and understandable and possibly excusable for someone making a go at his 20th NFL season. But why come back if you are not sure how that ankle is going to hold up. It does seem like he was coaxed to give it one more try and he might want to make everyone aware that if they fail to make the Super Bowl, it's not on him but the organization if they fail. I would like to think the old dog is playing games with the opposition. Maybe, he wants them to come at him and take their shots. If he knows defenses are committed to writing his final chapter, maybe game planning to dupe them into being too overzealous can be used to capitalize with particle playcalling that will keep them scratching their heads. I think Favre has a reason for putting it out there and not keeping his injury hush-hush. There have been plenty of times his injuries were kept quiet or downplayed, like the biceps tendon debacle that likely took the Jets out of the playoff hunt two seasons ago and sent Eric Manghini packing with a resume in hand. Favre knows how to play through injury better than anyone and one can quickly cite his insane consecutive games streak. And as a veteran toying with defenses he's picked apart year after year, he's likely got something under his sleeve. And it helps that he has no fear of anyone coming to twist is foot off at the surgered wheelbase. Now, to sit back and watch how he operates. And what better season opening opponent than those Saints that sacked his playoff hopes in N'Orleans. Perhaps, all this fodder is for Sean Peyton and boys who got a little dirty scratchin' and clawin' their way to the Super Bowl. Does Favre have a message for them in the NFL season opener? I'm very confident Favre will make a statement and the Vikings likely have an answer since the playoff matchup. |
| Sidney Rice has broken his silence about his decision to have surgery on an ailing body part just weeks before the start of the season. Profootballtalk.com has conjured up a conspiracy theory that suggests the wide receiver kept quiet about needing to go under the knife until they had the ol' QB in the fold... http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/08/24/sidney-rice-says-dallas-is-still... It's quite possible Favre would have kept his chips in his pocket if he knew he was being dealt one less ace with a decimated receiving corps. Bringing in Javon Walker was supposed to remedy any concerns Favre might have now? Maybe Favre hasn't followed his former teammate's career since 2004. I still don't see a problem with the offensive might of the Vikings without their tall receiver. Just run the ball more and use more short passes and double tight end sets. Besides, it may have been more about Favre making a star out of Rice who never blossomed until his breakout year in 2009. Time will tell, but I think the gunslinger will manage without one of his weapons. |
| He's back. No surprise. Why did everyone get sucked in the second time around...in Minnesota? http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/08/18/favre-says-2010-will-be-his-last... |
| To share here briefy. It seems a contigent from the Vikings went to Hattiesburg to pursuade their QB to make a decision to come back on the anniversary of his last unretirement and it appears to have worked. No one knows for certain if he's finally made up his mind, but more details can be found here... http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/08/17/all-signs-point-to-brett-favre-a... http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/08/17/vikings-oddly-make-their-coaches... Almost a done deal. We've got video now... http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/trainingcamp10/news/story?id=5470904 ESPN's Kevin Seifert has a few more thoughts like Favre passing his physical conditioning test or ironing out any contract changes with the Vikings offering him more money. |
| What a time to be on vacation with no internet access at this Black Hills, South Dakota lodge. I have ears thanks to satellite TV and the news about Favre today feels a bit surreal. I have mixed feelings. I adopted the don’t be so sure he’s going to play this year attitude and did not jump on reports that would indicate he would play this season. I didn’t take that ankle injury as seriously as I see now I should. But I have reasons to doubt the reports that he is telling teammates he is calling it a career. For instance, the Vikings react by fattening their contract offer to $20 million for this season, with $16 million guarantee ($3 mil more than previous contract). If Favre and his agent Bus Cook are this calculating, the move to intimate through text messages that he’s done has drawn the potential for the biggest payday. Minnesota is smart to put the pressure on. You can’t walk away (or hobble) from such a lure. They need this season as a 6-1 favorite to become a Super Bowl contender. And ultimately, that’s what Favre has wanted with this second life in the NFL. Another reason to believe Favre is not done is his emotional nature. He did not go directly to team brass to say he is done. He may have sought the solace of other players, maybe as sounding boards, to see what reaction he’d get, and that the ankle problem made him feel he couldn’t go to battle with them. And there is the belief that he needs coaxing, pleading even, to come play. It may be true that he needs people on bended knee to inspire him. Quotes from Vikings coach Mike Childress seem to back this theory. If anyone has a pulse on this situation, the coach knows what makes Favre tick. Childress indicated in a press conference the emotion factor, making reference to getting that motor started. He might be confident in the belief that getting Favre to suit up and become their Superman again will be all it takes to get him motivated to play. We’re talking about the toughest player to ever grace an NFL field, with the consecutive games streak and ability to bounce back from injuries. To think a bum ankle will stop him is hard to fathom. He might be thinking the best he could do was last year and does not want to be measured against the year he had in 2009. But his thoughts aren’t likely about personal performance and what the pundits say, but rather the team goal of the ultimate NFL title. One of the closest people to Favre who got a text message from him this week did not get the impression his teammate is calling it a day. Kicker Ryan Longwell said he spent 15 minutes with his golfing buddy on the phone before practice Tuesday and did not hear anything that would lead him to believe number four was ready to hang up the cleats. So, while it is not a sure thing Favre will retire, maybe age is catching up. Maybe the New Orleans Saints successfully forced another old-timer into premature retirement (Kurt Warner being the first). It would be a shame to have it end this way. http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/08/04/favre-says-hell-play-if-healthy-... http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/08/04/report-vikings-offer-favre-16-mi... http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/08/04/favre-heads-back-to-the-high-sch... |
| Even Brett Favre's agent is fed up. The recent article in Men's Home Journal calls out the veteran quarterback for giving an interview to ESPN about his ankle without going through the proper channels first... http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/07/19/even-brett-favres-agent-thinks-f... Some would say this is evidence of his ego, and it might be in part. But I think what is important to witness is his decision making. You see it on the field with the interceptions and perhaps this is how it correalates to real life. No fences can contain him. He just does what he pleases and it's a freedom that he has earned. This sheds some light on how the Packer's front office may have perceived him in his final days in green and gold before deciding it was time to part ways. The cost/benefit ratio of taking a hall of fame quarterback out of play in Titletown is still in the balance for Green Bay. As for Favre, he's just Brett being Brett. And that's part of what fascinates many fans as the legend grows. We owe Cook a debt of gratitude for a rare and honest glimpse behind the scenes on this one. |
| It's not new, but it's straight from the horse's mouth. Brett Favre says returning for a 20th season is still in the balance, while his surgically repaired ankle remains to be fully healed... http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/07/15/brett-favre-not-completely-healt... The off-season has been full of speculation from many who think Favre will return. This may be the usual ploy to avoid unnecessary wear on an aging body that will turn 41 early in the season. Or Favre may eventually say he just can't be the best he can be. The more you hear this kind of talk, the more you have to just tune out. The time to tune in again may be mid-August. |
| Aaron Rodgers gets pointedly opinionated with Tony Kornheiser, who has interviewed him about how hard it is to fill Brett Favre's shoes in Green Bay. http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/06/09/kornheiser-reacts-if-rodgers-thi... Perhaps, Favre still casts a shadow on his replacement who needs to focus on football rather than picking a fight with the weakest kid on the playground. |
| All week long grist for the Favre rumor mill kept grinding on topics that lent to speculation about his retirement. It makes you wonder why we have to sit through all that when the biggest story of all was under everyone's noses but no one could ferret it out...until now: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/05/21/brett-favre-confirms-ankle-surge... There may be some method to his madness. Perhaps, the tidbits of info about his bet with the Mississippi State men's baseball team was just a weak attempt to get the media to look the other way while he had his surgery. Definitely, having the surgery says he is committed to playing this year, doesn't it? Telling a bunch of college athletes that his return to pro football depends on them was either the machinations of an inflated ego or some guise to get reporters scratching this gibberish on their notepads. Either way, it's inconsequential. We know the real reason you took so long to go under the knife...to quash any talk of why you don't attend any of those training camps. And just a note, we're getting used to you not being there. Granted full clemency by your warden, don't feel it's necessary to keep your prison blues freshly laundered in case your needed to pick-axe some rock. It was obvious from the beginning there was a part two to this Viking story. It's clear to see Favre doesn't want people to forget about him while leaving him alone to lick his wounds from another NFL season with his bid for a 20th campaign right around the corner. Well, now I can hang the banner by saying, 'Welcome back, Brett!' You might not see as many people flock to your annual unretirement party because this is unofficious as it gets for a returning athlete. Now, I'll just bide my time until I spot you in that red 'please don't hit me' jersey. Is 'unofficious' a word? Too lazy to look it up. |
| It's obvious Brett Favre will not be deterred by an ankle injury suffered in last year's conference championship against the Saints. The unknown extent of the injury and required surgery reported by ESPN's Ed Werder was fodder for debate much of the day. Would Favre retire for good? Thankfully the old QB offered more today to clear the air... http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/04/30/favre-says-ankle-surgery-would-b... So it if's a minor surgery, why did the story come out in such a way that we all thought Favre was weighing his options for retirement versus a simple medical procedure to relieve him of pain? It's a valid question to ponder, 'does Favre feel he needs an excuse to not appear at training camps?' His head coach, teammates and many fans have already given him a pass, willing to concede he does alright flying by the seat of his pants. The timing of the surgery and just revealing now that he needs it seems similar to the biceps tendon surgery scenario of last year. We find out with a few months before the season that he hadn't made up his mind to retire or have the surgery before he does and then rehabs alone before deciding he was good enough to play. Does he need to do this again over a gimpy ankle? What does Favre really need from the Vikings and fans at this point to help him commit to simply saying, 'yes, I'll play'? You'd have to conclude he's prepared to make another go at it in 2010. He's just milking the clock so he can show up late with a doctor's note explaining his tardiness. He may be so used to make these excuses for wanting to skip training camps that he doesn't know how to behave when coach Brad Childress says take all the time you want. Perhaps, his behavior is pathological from years of pressure in Green Bay to make up his mind. You have to wonder if the Packers pressured him unnecessarily and pushed away any hopes of making a few more Super Bowl runs. There's more to debate there, but save for another day. |
| Had to weigh in... Without closure, while there are lingering questions and fodder for rumors about all events surrounding Ben, this will be a dicey affair between QB, team and fans. Someone needs to step in and clear the air and get this all out on the table. The timing of the NFL draft and other events makes it a difficult time to tackle right now. The team is not going to act without the commissioners final decision on the matter. When it is addressed and a suspension is handed down and the media grows weary of gnawing on this, then the ship can leave the port. Time will then set into motion and hopefully enough of it before the season starts. The pressure is still on from Pittsburg fans and media to oust Ben, who needs to rebuild his image. Show less arrogance and indifference and more contrition, unless you don't want to stay a Steeler. |
| As you might know by now, nothing new came from Favre's appearance on the Tonight Show with Leno this week. More interesting was a visit the old quarterback received from Minnesota coach Brad Childress the day before that March 4th guest spot... http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/03/06/childress-visited-favre-told-him... It's not coincidence that Childress approached Favre the day before. The Vikings needed to be prepared or perhaps prepare Favre's mind before that show. Wouldn't you want to know his mind set going in? Did he plan to hang 'em up for good. The team couldn't take that chance. Sounded like a very cozy meeting with Childress playing the vacationing pyschoanalist who had a session with his patient on retreat. Smart move to help Favre get rid of the baggage of last year's outcome so he can prepare his thoughts for the future and another run at the title. Otherwise, he goes on the show and anything can happen with the notorious waffler. Will he or won't he? Could he be swayed by Leno or the audience. Although, adulation usually inspires the confidence factor. All in all, we're in good shape here. With no pressure on Favre to decide now or even before the NFL draft, it is more certain than ever that he will suit up in 2010. The only thing know that can prevent Favre from taking the field is a work stoppage in 2011. And I'm not so certain that will be a hinderance either. |
| Okay, I was thinking with one year remaining on his contract with the Vikings Brett Favre would finally be ready to call it a career. But, as we see with how he's played and how this career keeps strecthing out, is it possible he could play two more seasons? Adrian Peterson thinks so...or at least that is what he'd like to see from his quarterback... http://min.scout.com/2/950404.html Personally, I think it is possible. But they have to protect him like Peyton Manning. We see pundits say every year that he won't last the season at his age. I hope people like Bryant McKinnie are completely focused on protecting Favre's backside, should he come back. The pounding he took at the hands of the Saints in the NFC conference game was enough to make you wonder if he'll follow Kurt Warner toward Canton. Of course, hearing that out loud makes me think 'yeah, he's not done yet.' We may know more tonight when Favre is a guest during Jay Leno's return to the Tonight Show...and Jay could use a big splash/annoucement to help his ratings. So, if Favre's prepared to say 'I Do", get prepared to cue Felix Mendelssohn. |
| Brett Favre's annual groundhog day will include a guest appearance on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno on March 4th...the second anniversary of his first retirement announcement. It will be Leno's second time around on the late night program during his first week back to the troubled NBC show. If Favre can deliver an announcement about his plans to retire or play this season, it might help ratings...and it might not. http://www.google.com/search?q=%22brian+keith+compton%22&pov=1124364285489929191... |
| It's like a slow burn. Some Vikings players are admitting they didn't know how dirty New Orleans was in that conference title game that may have cost them a Super Bowl bid. Defensive end Ray Edwards and now tight end Visanthe Shiancoe are admitting they were not aware of the abuse Brett Favre was taking from the Saints' defense during that game. It's hard to believe they wouldn't notice, but it's explained in a blurb from profootballtalk.com on Shianchoe's plans for a litte payback when Minnesota returns to the Superdome on September 9th. There's a link in the story to Edward's comments earlier this month. http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/02/16/shiancoe-says-there-might-be-a-l... If they(the Saints) still have an extended Mardi Gras hangover, getting their bell rung by angry Vikes might clear out the cobwebs. And while Favre is contemplating retirement/return from/to football, this support of the future hall of famer may sway him to comeback for another season. I don't think he wants to share the podium with Kurt Warner at Canton, anyway. Or be the second old man to hit the dusty trail because he was discouraged by his ability to overcome a bunch of unSaintly defenders in the playoffs. Favre can have that special day pretty much all to himself if he suits up one more year. |
| Minnesota fans have launched a campaign to keep no. 4 from hanging 'em up forever...you Brettcha: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/02/04/vikings-attempt-to-woo-favre-bac... |
| Was Kurt Warner the first domino to topple toward the NFL hall of fame? How does his decision factor into the similar fate of Brett Favre? There are compelling reasons to give one pause to think Favre would lean toward returning another year, while Warner would not gamble his health on another NFL season. Warner is being publicly touted as some sort of anti-Favre. In his case, he's got an heir whose contract expires similar to the way Aaron Rodgers' deal was coming due with the Packers in 2008. That's when Favre retired and unretired, forcing the Packers to say goodbye to the legend in favor of the team's future. Warner made his mind up. No waffling, he said. He was thinking about the team and the other players first. And his family, we could assume. Plus, he has some prospects lined up. He could go into broadcasting, public speaking, politics, etc. But another NFL legend felt Warner decided to soon. Jack Youngblood said on the Jim Rome radio show that Warner was still licking his wounds and could have taken as long as August to decide, thinking Warner will feel differently then. Warner got a two year contract last year with a big signing bonus (does he keep that 7.5 mil?). He could have opted for one more year, since the team is loaded with talent. Or did New Orleans punch his final ticket on the way to Canton? Youngblood didn't mention Favre in that interview yesterday. But he would seem to support Favre taking so long to suit up for each NFL season. Perhaps, there is some pressure on these players to decide too early. We heard the rumblings after each year in Green Bay. Favre was being honest. The media wanted to know. He would say if he leaned one way or another, but time was the main factor in helping him ultimately decide. I think the Packers took advantage of him after the 2007 conference loss at home to the Giants. Favre took the same kind of beating as Warner in the conference playoff game. It ended with another Favre pick. But throughout the game, no matter the drubbing, he got back out on the field and gutted it out. His make-up is to play on, do it his way. He has the resilience. The longer he goes without deciding on retirement, the surer you can be he will return for 2010. you have to think Favre has thought about Warner's situation and how it impacts him. Does he sit back and say he's not letting the Saints chase him out of the league the way Warner is leaving with his tail between his legs (while he still has use of them)? We all assumed he was back to even the score with the Packers and GM Ted Thompson. Do you suppose he'd feel less of a man if he quit now when the table is still set for another Super Bowl run? He must be too proud to let old teammate Darren Sharper get the final say on his legacy. The Vikings had that game won, if it were not for the Saints teeing off on the ol' gunslinger and causing all of those turnovers. In the end, the personal foul penalties did not amount to a hill of beans when compared to the mountain of costly mistakes that caused Minnesota to lose that game. Yes, Favre could retire and walk away from the game with his head held high. He would also go out bookending his pro career with passes for interceptions. It was a great season. Sad that it would end the way it did. But, what else will he have going for him? Career in broadcasting, sit on a tractor, throw footballs to high schoolers, or zip some fastballs to pros who can catch them? Wait another year and get inducted into that ring of honor without the distinction of having your career compared with Warner by going to that dance together, Brett. |
| Happy Trails, Old Man? or, See Ya In August? We wait. |
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