Minnesota is now in stage 6.

1) Brett: I'm gonna stay retired.

2) But...Maybe I'll join the ________________and take them to the Super Bowl!

3) Nah, I'm retired.

4) OK, training camp is over, I'll join _______________and play as hard as I can, although I have a torn or sore_________________.

5) New Team: Wow. He sure throws hard! ( Love affair begins)

6) Season begins: He wins over pathetic opponents. ( Love affair blooms)

7) Mid-season: He loses against tough opponents, but no one notices.

( Love is blind, after all)

8) Favre begins excuse phase. Remember that torn, sore_____________?

9) Interceptions mount. Iron man Favre toughs it out, team fizzles down the stretch.

10) Tearful retirement. I didn't let my new-now old team down, my sore/torn __________did.