On a day that should have been our most important together, the NFC Championship game against the New York Giants, it seemed that Brett wasn’t all that “into” the game. He seemed more distracted by the cold and enormous pressure of the game along with playing under the collective weight of so many other failed playoff games.
But as a fan I was incredible happy and optimistic about our time together that night.
Disappointed by the inevitability of the game, lying on the bathroom floor, I was stressed out and unable to leave it to watch the Giants' overtime field goal. After the game I swore I would never care for Brett again because he had hurt me so many times over the years.
By March Brett agreed it was better if he retire and end the relationship. To understand why I was stressed out and a complete mess that night, we have to go back. Back to the beginning.
In the summer of 1993 change was in the air around 1265 Lombardi Avenue. When Brett arrived in town, he was an energetic young man filled with a vitality and passion for the game of football.
Each Sunday he played with his head and heart for the fans and as the years and successful seasons progressed, we expected more from his performance. It was a July/December relationship that changed with each season. As I grew up I came to look more and more forward of our time together.
Brett gave the team, the fans and the community more than we had the right to demand each year. He played through physical pain, addictions to pain killers, alleged martial affairs, and much more. When Irv died, my heart broke completely but Brett was there to pick me up and play one unbelievable game.
"What he had to deal with today was immeasurable," receiver Antonio Freeman said. "You can't put a price on what he did tonight. I don't know how he did it, but he did it in fine fashion."
One measure of Brett’s valor, dedication and iron-man status was recognized not only by Packer fans but the entire NFL community by being the league’s only three-time NFL MVP.
Something changed in 2005 for Brett, for the fans and the Packers organization that would alter the dynamics of our relationship forever. These last few remaining autumns together would never be as it was during the early years. Someone else, jealous for Packers fan undying attention and loyalty, entered the picture.
9 comments Last one added 8 months ago — Leave a Comment
Andrea Orellana 8 months ago
Break-ups are tough! But you survived it. I'm sure Brett does miss you now!
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Don Zak 8 months ago
Dear Andrea,
Thanks for the encouragement! Your wise words come through like someone who has been through the painful process also.
Packer Fans will forever miss Brett.
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Mike Craig 8 months ago
Ted Thompson is a franchise killer. Wait and see what happens to him in the next couple of years. He wont even exist in football anymore.
Don't get me wrong, Aaron Rodgers is doing way better than I expected him to, not much better, but still better. Which means I expected Rodgers to be decent. He is still no Brett Favre. No, he isn't the man that would have us at 6-0 right now.
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Kyle Jensen 8 months ago
Like you, letting Favre go was hard. But embracing Rodgers wasn't hard. Yes, Rodgers is not Favre, he's Rodgers. That being said, who says Rodgers can't bring his own legacy? He's already been having a good year with a 98 QB rating, The Packers may be 3-3, but Rodgers has also done something worth noting, playing well through an injury.
I can't agree with that previous comment saying Ted Thompson is a "franchise killer." When Thompson came in, he brought in talent to make the Packers competitive again. I do like your ex-girlfriend anology, though I don't think we're stuck with an old red station wagon. At this point, I'd say we're driving a new Pontiac Grand Prix, but it's still not the Z-28.
Letting Favre go was definitely controversial, and still is. Especially Favre's 6 TD game, but would he have done that with the Packers this season? Different team, different players, different play calling.
I definitely enjoyed the article though, hopefully people will start buying their Rodgers jerseys more than their Jets 4 jerseys, haha.
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Don Zak 8 months ago
Hi Mike and Kyle,
You both have excellent points. Rodgers does hold his own future in his hands and can create his own legend, so to speak. When McCarthy feels completely comfortable giving Aaron the entire offensive playbook, I hope the fans will settle down in their criticisms of him. However, Aaron is unproven, and as our QB has not beaten a team with a winning record.
As for Mike, I agree that the future will think less highly of TT then his current valuation. His previous accomplishment was taken the SeaHawks to the SuperBowl on a shoe string budget.
Now he can add "running out of town a folk hero and living legend" to his impressive resume.
If these next two years accomplish nothing, the fans that supported Ted and not Brett will have to look themselves in the mirror over that decision.
Only time will tell, but right now we need to give Aaron some time to prove himself.
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Doug Dwyer 8 months ago
Something happened in 2005....
Well Ted Thompson not only used the #1 draft pick for a QB, he also let two pro bowl linemen go to free agency. Then he tried to get Green Bay's pro bowl saftey to take a pay cut; when Sharper wouldn't he was shipped off to Minnesota to garner a few more pro bowls there.
In 2005, Aman Green, Jevon Walker, and Bubba Franks were put on IR early in the season. So, the Packers, without 6 pro bowlers from the previous year, had a rough season. The leading rusher was Sam Gado with 500 yards. Favre was labeled as too old throwing more picks than TDs. But Favre kept playing and trying to win. He threw for 3800 yards. The Packers went 4-12. People started to ask when Favre was going to retire.
It was probably everything Ted Thompson had hoped for.
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Don Zak 8 months ago
Good Point Douglas,
I write to both Darren and Ahman for their Autos still! While Darren has continued to play at a Pro Bowl level, Ahman without Clifton, Wahle, Riveria, Flanagan and Tauscher. he has yet to play a full season since leaving.
So Ted was only half right, like the glass is half empty with those two guys. Its more a point that Ted beleives he can win a superbowl by drafting above average players, develop them and win the superbowl. Other GMs will pay for better talent, and perhaps win championship. The Pats are certainly like the Yankees in the sense that they prefer older, experienced players along with drafted talent. But Ted's approach, outside of our beloved #21, is to rely only on the draft to bring talented players to the team.
Do you think Ted was happy to send Sherman packing so he could bring in a loyal lap dog like Little Mac, someone without loyalty to Brett, in order to help show him the door?
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David Arreola 8 months ago
Nice article.
I can't say I ever hated Brett Favre, but i can see why others would.
I invite you to read my article on the Favre saga. I think its something all football fans should read.
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Don Zak 8 months ago
Why would anyone hate Brett? He plays through pain, broken fingers, etc. Rodger's injury has gotten so much press coverage and sympathy. Brett played through death of his dad.
It stands to the testiment of his loyalty to the fans, the team and the community.
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