In the wake of a media frenzy following Brett Favre's sort-of-leaked retirement decision, the man himself flew to Green Bay last Thursday to publicly lay his football career to rest...

Why Grown Men Cry: The Brett Favre Press Conference

by Michael Priebe (Analyst)

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Sports

March 12, 2008

In the wake of a media frenzy following Brett Favre's sort-of-leaked retirement decision, the man himself flew to Green Bay last Thursday to publicly lay his football career to rest.

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12 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment

Bryan Goldberg about 1 year ago

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Great piece — his is a career worth celebrating, but for the next few weeks, it's hard not to take up a somber tone even in the wake of all the good that has come from his seventeen amazing years.

Great piece — his is a career worth celebrating, but for the next few weeks, it's hard not to take up a somber tone even in the wake of all the good that has come from his seventeen amazing years. Edit Comment Cancel

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Zander Freund about 1 year ago

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Beautiful piece Michael. A fitting tribute to an NFL legend.

I've been pretty choked up about this whole thing, but you really put it all into perspective. There is without a doubt a sense of closure that is comforting in a way, even though we will miss #4 dearly and wonder whether he could have gotten the Packers back to the Super Bowl this season.

Honestly, that press conference was one of the best exits I've seen in my life. I hated the idea that the last memory fans would have of Brett was him shivering cold and red-faced in Lambeau, playing like crap and going out an old, tired man.

The class and heart which Favre displayed in the press conference will instead leave a lasting image of a man who played the game of football for no other reason than a genuine passion for the game.

We will miss you Brett.

Beautiful piece Michael. A fitting tribute to an NFL legend. I've been pretty choked up about this whole thing, but you really put it all into perspective. There is without a doubt a sense of closure that is comforting in a way, even though we will miss #4 dearly and wonder whether he could have gotten the Packers back to the Super Bowl this season. Honestly, that press conference was one of the best exits I've seen in my life. I hated the idea that the last memory fans would have of Brett was him shivering cold and red-faced in Lambeau, playing like crap and going out an old, tired man. The class and heart which Favre displayed in the press conference will instead leave a lasting image of a man who played the game of football for no other reason than a genuine passion for the game. We will miss you Brett. Edit Comment Cancel

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Max Iascone about 1 year ago

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couldn't have said it better myself (thats not saying much) seriously though that was brilliantly written. a very fitting tribute to the 3rd best QB in NFL history and one of the more gutty players I have ever seen or heard of. good work

couldn't have said it better myself (thats not saying much) seriously though that was brilliantly written. a very fitting tribute to the 3rd best QB in NFL history and one of the more gutty players I have ever seen or heard of. good work Edit Comment Cancel

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Cody Baker about 1 year ago

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I love you, this is the first NFL season since I was born that you won't be in the NFL. Come back, please, Rodgers is a fucking hippie, we need you. Donald needs you, I will watch your wife so you can focus on football.

I love you, this is the first NFL season since I was born that you won't be in the NFL. Come back, please, Rodgers is a fucking hippie, we need you. Donald needs you, I will watch your wife so you can focus on football. Edit Comment Cancel

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Michael Priebe about 1 year ago

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Thanks for the compliment Zander. Favre gave himself to the Packers and to the fans one last time at that press conference. He felt he owed an explanation for his decision, and he hopped a plane to Green Bay and laid himself before the press, answering questions for more than an hour (although I'm sure it was about as comfortable for him at first as walking to the gallows).
In an age where pro athletes have a hard time getting through a page of scripted notes to handle tough situations (or just speak through press releases and/or agents), Favre fought through the fire and made the situation as transparent as possible - bringing the retirement to terms for himself and his fans and community at the same time.
Like you said, it was a testament to his class and heart.

Thanks for the compliment Zander. Favre gave himself to the Packers and to the fans one last time at that press conference. He felt he owed an explanation for his decision, and he hopped a plane to Green Bay and laid himself before the press, answering questions for more than an hour (although I'm sure it was about as comfortable for him at first as walking to the gallows). In an age where pro athletes have a hard time getting through a page of scripted notes to handle tough situations (or just speak through press releases and/or agents), Favre fought through the fire and made the situation as transparent as possible - bringing the retirement to terms for himself and his fans and community at the same time. Like you said, it was a testament to his class and heart. Edit Comment Cancel

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Anonymous about 1 year ago

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Great post. You really captured the sense of loss for all true football fans, regardless of which team we support. Not only was Favre a great player, he was a player that we could all relate to on a personal level.

Great post. You really captured the sense of loss for all true football fans, regardless of which team we support. Not only was Favre a great player, he was a player that we could all relate to on a personal level. Edit Comment Cancel

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Jeff Little about 1 year ago

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Great Post. I also feel that you've captured the sense of loss for all true football fans.

Great Post. I also feel that you've captured the sense of loss for all true football fans. Edit Comment Cancel

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PackSmack about 1 year ago

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Great story.

Great story. Edit Comment Cancel

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jeff ircink about 1 year ago

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Nice job. I'm 43 and I've never had a "hero" per se. I suppose if I had to pick one it would be my father. Aside from dad, it would be Brett. Watching him play the game, through all his triumphs and his tribulations, I saw myself. Many of us saw ourselves. Favre truly was representative of the people and that's why we Packer fans loved(love) him so much. My best friend emailed me a quote attributed to "Anonymous" that read, "Don't be said because it's over... be happy because it happened."

IT happened. Brett happened. And he was ours. Brett IS one for the ages.

Nice job. I'm 43 and I've never had a "hero" per se. I suppose if I had to pick one it would be my father. Aside from dad, it would be Brett. Watching him play the game, through all his triumphs and his tribulations, I saw myself. Many of us saw ourselves. Favre truly was representative of the people and that's why we Packer fans loved(love) him so much. My best friend emailed me a quote attributed to "Anonymous" that read, "Don't be said because it's over... be happy because it happened." IT happened. Brett happened. And he was ours. Brett IS one for the ages. Edit Comment Cancel

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- Michael Priebe about 1 year ago
  
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  Jeff,
  There aren't many people to admire in this day and age - in politics, music, movies, sports etc. etc. It isn't the day and age when people may have been superficial assholes and no one knew about it because they could hide their true tempermants. If someone's not sincere today, it's pretty easy to see because of the huge proliferation of media, especially the Internet. I only have a few public figures I enjoy watching because I relate to them and feel I can take something valuable from following what they do. Favre is one of those people.
  
  Jeff, There aren't many people to admire in this day and age - in politics, music, movies, sports etc. etc. It isn't the day and age when people may have been superficial assholes and no one knew about it because they could hide their true tempermants. If someone's not sincere today, it's pretty easy to see because of the huge proliferation of media, especially the Internet. I only have a few public figures I enjoy watching because I relate to them and feel I can take something valuable from following what they do. Favre is one of those people. Edit Comment Cancel
  
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james lawrence about 1 year ago

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I love it, you really pin-pointed why he is so special.
Im a hugh Favre fan and I can say I will always miss watching him on Sundays.

I love it, you really pin-pointed why he is so special. Im a hugh Favre fan and I can say I will always miss watching him on Sundays. Edit Comment Cancel

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- Michael Priebe about 1 year ago
  
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  Thanks for the pick James. There won't be another Favre - football is now different.
  
  Thanks for the pick James. There won't be another Favre - football is now different. Edit Comment Cancel
  
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