No Game for Old Men: Collins, Favre, and Warner Are All Better With Age

Brett Favre: Aren't You Glad He Came Back?

Everyone knows all about Favre's competitive spirit. Did anyone really expect his retirement announcement to be final?

Don't even bother raising your hand this time, you liar.

Emotions varied throughout the spectrum when he officially announced his desire to return to football. Some reacted with jubilation, but more felt a slight pang of resentment for the veteran. A lot of people were just confused.

No one should have expected the old man to let his final professional pass be an interception that went for a touchdown.

But when the 2008 season began and Favre took the field in a uniform that was unfamiliar to everyone, no one knew what to expect anymore. The New York Jets won the Brett Favre sweepstakes, and have experienced everything Brett Favre has ever offered in his never-ending career.

A thrilling victory for first place in the division is the quality football the New York Jets expected when they dealed for the star quarterback. The jury was out on Favre during the first-half of the season, but he's more than cemented his place in an NFL season where he wasn't expected to be a participant.

Through 10 games, Jets' fans have seen the phenomenal Favre that can pick apart a defense effortlessly. And they've seen the faltering Favre that will throw a costly interception at the most inopportune time.

Then they've seen the fortunate Favre that can throw three interceptions in one game, but still come away with a victory for his team.

It's the kind of football that no one else in the NFL can play, and he's made it common-place in his career. There are things expected of a professional quarterback, and then there's Brett Favre.

This isn't the 1995 Brett Favre on the field. He's not en route to a 38-touchdown, 4,400-yard season. But it's the same consistent Favre that has reserved his spot in Canton, Ohio.

Better with age? It's not so much a question of his age as much it is about wondering if he even ages at all.

Even when Favre is mediocre, he's good enough to be better than most of the other quarterbacks in the league. He hasn't thrown for less than 3,500 yards since 1993, and looks to continue that tradition.

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