Brett Favre: Why Number Four Doesn't Want a Repeat of 2007

Think back two years ago, and you would've noticed many interesting things in the wide world that is the National Football League.  Tony Romo had once again choked, the Patriots were making a run for 18-0, and the Green Bay Packers were the elite team in the NFC North.

When Brett Favre and the Packers were set to meet the New York Giants at Lambeau Field in late January for the NFC Championship Game, many nonbelievers wrote the Giants off and gave them the world famous "has been" label.  Well, the Giants proved everyone wrong and with a last minute field goal in overtime set up by Brett Favre's final throw as a Packer, the Giants were on their way to the Super Bowl.

23-20, Packer fans were crushed, Giants fans cheered, and the rest of the world watched in awe as the Giants then went on to win the Super Bowl.  The Packers, however, were forgotten about.  Like a once loved puppy, Brett Favre was tossed aside and left wondering why he couldn't give Titletown one last Super Bowl before he retired.

Had Brett's goal been achieved, maybe this whole retirement joke would never have risen.  No SportsCenter commercial, no teary press conference, and no funny Wrangler Jeans advertisement.  Either way though, the past is the past, and now Brett has to live in the present.

On the eve of one of the biggest games in Favre's life, the eagerly awaiting New Orleans Saints are calling the 12-4 Vikings to the Superdome to prove that they are a contender. 

From what looked like a confident Vikings roster has now taken a step in the opposite direction due to Percy Harvin's absence.  With migraines suffered and doctors advising him to sit out, Favre is going to have to cope without his reliable third-down receiver.

Not only that, the chant of "Who Dat!" will fill the air in the Superdome, and expect to see some quirky signs in relation to Favre.  New Orleans will be rocking, as the whole town is keen for a shot at the Super Bowl.  A title they have never received, the Saints feel it is their destiny to pull off the near impossible tomorrow.

With this said, the Vikings feel the same way too.  Arguably the second best team in the NFC, Favre feels that this current Vikings team is far better than any Packers team he has been a part of.  As tough as this is to write, I tend to agree with the 40-year-old gunslinger.  The running game is great, Brett's arm is stronger than it's ever been, and the Vikings number two-ranked defense is looking hot.  Hats off to Brad Childress, he's done a stand-up job.

Like the two Green Bay vs. Minnesota meetings during the regular season, Favre is sure to be nervous.  Hell, he looked teary-eyed during the press conference yesterday in regards to Harvin's condition.  If the game is close, the flashbacks may just come flooding back.  The interception will be played over and over in Favre's head tonight as he goes to sleep and more than likely during a few snaps in tomorrow's game. 

The Superdome will be loud, and the absence of Harvin will be felt.  With a quarterback rating of 107.2 (the highest of Brett's career), this may be Favre's last chance to play in the big game.  Whether you wish him luck or not, I promise that Favre will show up at 6:40 PM and play the game like it could be his last.  Cherish it, it may be the last time you get to see Brett Favre play.