Green Bay Packer Fans' "Betrayed" Mentality Regarding Brett Favre Irrational

Now that the signing of Brett Favre to the Minnesota Vikings is official, it is my purpose to give you a more objective history and viewpoint of the Favre-Packers fallout that have left many in Packer Nation incensed to the point of steam blowing out of the holes of their cheeseheads.  Why write yet another article about the Favre?  I give you four reasons: 

1.) For those who shamelessly enjoy these articles (myself included).

2.) For those I call “Feed-The-Beasters” who are supposedly sick of Favre-related articles, yet seem to click on the link anyway, read it, and respond how they’re sick of these articles.

3.) TV, radio, blogs, and message boards have been full of incessant anger by Packer fans, many of whom have declared that Ol' No. 4  is dead to them.  How could I resist this setup?

4.) I had honestly written this article about a month ago and thought it was left for the recycle bin when Favre initially said “no” to the Vikings three weeks ago—yes, I know I'm a sucker.  And while many might disagree with my “better late than never” rationale, my response to you is that you're probably right.  But it’s my party and I’ll post if I want to.

Brett Favre retired.  He changed his mind…then he changed his mind again.  How many times he flip-flopped between his first retirement and his final decision to return in July 2008 is still up for debate.  The Packers, tired of Favre’s annual indecision-fest, moved on with Aaron Rodgers. 

Brett wanted back, but the Packers said, “We’ve moved on.”  Favre griped to the Packer organization and, subsequently to the media that he should be welcomed back as the starter. 

The Packers, to prevent possible fan mutiny, stated (at least to the media) that Favre would be able to compete for the position.  Calling their bluff, Favre arrives at training camp. 

The result?  The Packers didn’t budge.  A quarterback competition was never a reality.  Favre felt angry and betrayed, yet his decision to retire created the mess in the first place, making his feelings unjustifiable.  After all, the NFL is a business, not a 16-year museum of sentiment meant to symbolize present reality.  See: Jerry Reinsdorf's release of Carlton Fisk in 1993—brutal.

Favre was given the opportunity to play, albeit to what many call the Siberia of the NFL—the New York Jets.  Favre showed his magic for two-thirds of the season before a debilitating shoulder injury left the Jets stumbling to a playoff-less 9-7 record.  Favre retired. 

However, the Jets’ signing of Mark Sanchez, coupled with his second request for release being granted, opened the ever so slightly cracked door.  A successful surgery on his shoulder made his second un-retirement absolute. 

The result?  Favre has the ability to do three things with the Minnesota Vikings he did not have with the Jets:

1.)    Play for a team in which he actually knows the offensive system…and the coach  as well.

2.)    Play for a contender.

3.)    Show Ted Thompson that they should not have let him go.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?