Generally speaking, statistics are the basis of any sports argument—be it between fans, friends, or foes.  Currently, the Green Bay Packers are experiencing what some would argue to be a conflict of interest: to retain Brett Favre or let him go in a separate direction. 

The argument is quite simple: do you retain literally the face of the franchise and most endeared athlete the city has ever seen, or do you part ways with a legend that has left the franchise in an annual state of flux? 

Since 1992, Brett Favre has started 255 consecutive regular season games, and throughout that time he has attained nearly every significant passing record (that had previously been held by the likes of Dan Marino).  Undoubtedly Favre has been the model of consistency and production by the numbers, yet one must read more into his figures to tell the true story.

Favre has been revered for his ability to show his “love of the game” through celebrations that remind fans everywhere of their childhood—filled with raw emotion and unparalleled joy. 

For this reason, Favre seemingly has been given a pass on most criticisms that one can find in his game or attitude. 

It seems almost like clockwork for Favre to declare at some point in the offseason that he is “unsure” of his future in the NFL and the direction that the Packer organization is headed.  He has openly criticized management and ownership for their inability to seize opportunity to snag top-notch talent to surround him with. 

Prior to Randy Moss’ exodus from Oakland to New England, there had been much talk—rumor based or not—that Green Bay was a likely landing spot for the disgruntled receiver.  Favre was anything but reserved with his interest in acquiring the All-Pro receiver. 

Even this past year, when the Packers hosted the NFC Championship Game, Favre continually admitted that he was unsure of how good the team was and what level of success they could achieve. 

Such ambivalence has been the Brett Favre that Packers fan have come to know and love. 

Favre’s stature has grown to be so immense that when posed the question of whether or not Brett Favre should come back, or furthermore, if he deserves to come back as the starting quarterback is posed, the reply often consists of, “Brett Favre should be able to do whatever he wants; he’s Brett Favre.”

This statement and attitude signifies an undeniable level of success and accomplishment that presumably could not be replaced by just any other quarterback.  Looking further into Favre’s career, one notices a few numbers that might dispel this prior notion.

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