I grew up a Midwestern kid with a love for sports. In fact, I was obsessed with sports. It may have even been an unhealthy obsession.
My childhood heroes included Reggie Miller of the Indiana Pacers, John Elway of the Denver Broncos and Sammy Sosa of the Chicago Cubs. I knew everything about them, at least as much as a young kid could know, and hung on their every fluid motion, as if they were gods. They were magic to me.
And so, you can imagine that when Elway retired in 1999 and Miller in 2005, I was heart broken. I really was. I cried over it and I wasn't ashamed to admit it. After Elway retired, I stopped following the Broncos and returned to my Colts obsession. Elway was the only reason I had to follow Denver. And though I still identify myself as a Pacer fan, Conseco Fieldhouse just hasn't been the same since he left. I haven't been to a game since #31 played for Indiana.
By now, you might think that I am in favor of the Packers bringing back Favre, but before you jump to conclusions, let me remind you of Sosa.
Slammin' Sammy, currently not playing for a Major League team but also not retired, helped Mark McGwire do something that I truly believe saved baseball in the 1998 home run race. He was traded by the Cubs in early 2005 after underachieving. He did nothing in Baltimore and even though he did hit his 600th last season with Texas, a bit of Sammy's magic was lost after he left the Cubs.
And who could forget Michael Jordan? As a Pacer fan, he was a pain in my side during his Chicago years, but no one can argue that he is the best basketball has ever seen. Did he really need the stint at Washington? Was it a good decision for him?
Now think of Favre. Think of where he has brought the Packers. Think of all the people who look up to him and love him. What does he have to gain from coming back? What are the possible pitfalls of his return?
He could lead the Packers to a Super Bowl. They could win it and he could retire a true immortal. It's possible with an NFC that is always wide open.
But he could also lead the Packers to a few more bad seasons, and then he wouldn't look as good as he did had he stayed retired after leading the Packers to an AFC Championship.
Or what if Brett Favre heads to Chicago and the Bears get the eternal one up on the Packers. Favre's legacy in Green Bay would be gone. He would probably be viewed as the biggest of traitors and if he doesn't put up good numbers in Chicago, he'll be idolized by no one.
Think about it, #4. Think about how I have nothing but fond memories of Reggie Miller nailing three after three before he hit his down slope and how Elway gave me a couple of Super Bowls to remember forever. Now think about Slammin' Sammy and how even though I loved him growing up, he meant so much less to me as an Oriole and a Ranger.
Consider the consequences.
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2 months ago
Matt, nice to see your writing on this site again! These athletes have a hunger to compete in them that many of us cannot understand. Favre has it now, Bonds had it, Jordan had it multiple times, and Reggie Miller, your idol, almost had it again before declining to join the Celtics during their huge off season last year.
Many of us hardcore fans want to see our hero's go out on top, like Favre almost did during the playoffs last year. For every John Elway story ending, there is a Jordan ending story, resulting in multiple attempts at a comeback that can take away from previous accomplishments.
Should Favre return to play? Absolutely. He proved he has the ability last year, and his history is injury free. As you say, Favre needs to realize the examples you mentioned before him. He is putting himself in a position to either succeed 100% or fail 100%, with no middle ground to settle in.
2 months ago
Hey Gardy nice article. Just as a side note Sosa is set to retire in 2009 after the World Baseball Classic. Much like you I will cry when that day officially comes (you know as well as anyone my undying love for Sosa) lol.
I love your reasons for Favre not coming out of retirement and I completely agree. Everyone should want to end on a high note. Look at guys like Sosa and McGwire who left on bad terms with the steroid scandal, the corked bat, and their unwillingness to retire led to their downfall. Even six years after his retirement people remember him for steroids not the great season of 1998. Favre should just quit now. Good job.
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