Money Talks, Favre Plays: Welcome Back Brett!

August 18, 2010

Minneapolis, Minnesota

A private plane descended upon Hattiesburg Mississippi early this week transporting 3 MinnesotaViking all pro players. Kicker, Ryan Longwell, offensive guard, Steve Hutchenson, and defensive end, Jarred Allen were sent as team emissaries to the home of Brett Favre with one mission: bring Brett Favre back to Minnesota.

With the mission accomplished, the jet returned as planned Tuesday carrying the future Hall of Fame Quarterback and landed late Tuesday afternoon in Minnesota. The scene at the Vikings headquarter training center emulated one of last year when Coach Brad Childress chauffeured number four in a black SUV.

This time around, it was Ryan Longwell doing the driving as fans tried to get a peek at their 2010 Quarterback arriving to begin his next quest for a second Super bowl championship. Players joined in the enthusiasm by sending messages out on Twitter.

  “Helicopters acting like they are following O.J.” was the tweet from tight end Visanthe Shianco and then “Where is the bronco? “Brett Favre for President!!” receiver Bernard Berrian tweeted.

While players and loyal Vikings fans are assuming he'll play, there are rumors that team management will pony up an estimated $7 million in additional incentives for Favre to play this year. The national exposure and political capital generated by having the marquis quarterback play may be worth the additional expense. Money well spent, especially with team owners lobbying for state financial support for a new stadium.

The next pre-season opponent will be the San Francisco 49ers this Sunday at Candlestick Park. There will be less hysteria for the 3 time MVP at this venue than at Winter Park yesterday as the 49ers look to avenge their last minute loss in 2009 at the Mall of America Field in Minneapolis.

Dan Basil

Field Correspondent

Bleacher Report