Closer Look at Brett Favre and Green Bay Packers Saga

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.

288, 118, and 54—These three numbers represent the total number of interceptions thrown, fumbles, and fumbles lost in Favre’s career, respectively.  Few statistics’ merits can be agreed upon, but any football fan can wholeheartedly agree that a turnover is a costly and potentially game-changing play. 

No other player has amassed the total number of interceptions that Favre has. 

In recent years, Favre has had a few plays for which he has become noted for—underhand tosses, twirling throws, and quite honestly foolish mistakes. 

One cannot help but wonder what kind of reaction a less accomplished, less-endearing player would receive.  A simple smile and laugh from Favre seems to cool the steam and anxiety that fans and coaches feel immediately after his play. 

Favre's charisma and joyous personality are infectious; there is no doubt.  But  at what point does being a good guy no longer merit you the starting quarterback slot on a quality football team?  Favre enjoyed some of his best success in recent years (4,155 yards, 28 TD, 66.5 percent comp) and yet still chucked up another 15 INTs and fumbled nine times (losing three). 

Favre’s occasional carelessness was never more evident than in overtime of the NFC Championship Game in which he seemingly mistook Corey Webster of the Giants for a receiver of his own, which led to the game winning FG by Lawrence Tynes. 

It goes without saying that Brett Favre is a first-ballot Hall of Fame player, and perhaps one of the 10 best quarterbacks of all time, but one must not lose sight of the fact that the NFL is a business, and the success of the team is directly affected by that team’s quarterback. 

Instead of handing the job back to a guy who has essentially walked away from football for three months, allow a fresh face, Aaron Rodgers, to compete for a job that he may very well feel he deserves. 

The Packers made an investment in Rodgers four years ago when they selected him 26th overall in the NFL Draft, and he has shown a sincere level of respect for Favre and the Packer organization.  He has worked hard and impressed coaches with his ability, and did a more than admirable job filling in for Favre in spot-duty against the Dallas Cowboys this past season. 

Just like rookies and undrafted free agents make huge sacrifices to win their role each summer, Brett Favre should do the same.

Admittedly, the Favre situation has spiraled out of control to the point of perhaps irreconcilable differences.  It’s a bit alarming how fast Favre can turn on this organization which has been the epitome of loyal, and yet it's also unfortunate to see such an non-amicable split. 

When the Green Bay Packers open training camp on July 27 at Lambeau Field, one can simply hope that regardless of the name on the back of the jersey, the starting quarterback donning the red jersey will have to show and earn the right to continue to wear that title on Sept. 8 when the Packers face the Vikings on Monday Night Football.