Brett Favre Didn't Respect The Game

Often times in sports we hear older or retired players complain that the younger players don't respect the game. I always find it irritating because it is very hypocritical. Many of these guys really need to take a look in the mirror when talking about who doesn't respect the game.

Let's take a look at a recent example, Brett Favre. 

No denying, he certainly will go down as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. However, he will also be remembered, at least by me, for being a selfish player and a lousy teammate.

Professional sports are meant to be played by the greatest athletes in the world at the highest level in the world. 

The fact that you once were a great athlete does not mean that you still have what it takes. 

If you no longer perform at the optimal level, then you should step aside. If you continue to play, you hold back the next generation. That is not respect for the game.

Willie Mays retired a New York Met. He never should have done that. I don't know what the outfielders in Triple-A ever became, but I am sure they wouldn't have been tripping over the bases. 

The trouble is, once a player reaches a certain status, he seems untouchable. Sad but true, a coach can't bench a legend and survive.

Getting back to Favre, he is the Willie Mays of this generation. Aaron Rodgers was respectful to him and always supported Favre. 

Can we honestly say the same about Favre?

Our first real look at Rodgers came on a Thursday night in Dallas. He replaced a banged up and ineffective Favre. Rodgers put on a show and nealy brought the team back. 

We didn't see him the rest of the year.

Such a coaching decision, might of cost the Packers in the Championship game. If you review the game film, you will see that many of Favre's throws were way off. He looked old.

Favre could have played that differently. Instead of selfishly worrying about his starting streak, he could have let Rodgers play for two or three more weeks to see what he can do. That would have enabled Favre to have a well rested arm in the playoffs.

Then he retires, or so we thought.

He suddenly decides right before training camp he still wants to play. He showed no consideration for the team, who already moved on and made a committment to Aaron Rodgers. 

He could have been a great teammate. He could have told the Packers that he still wants to be around but they should no longer hold back Rodgers. Favre should have voluntarily become the back up. That would show that he cares more about the team than he does himself.

I give Green Bay alot of credit for sticking to their commitment to Rodgers. 

When Favre went to the Jets, it started out hot but ended in diaster. 

His performances faded down the stretch once again. That told me what I already knew: His body can't hold up for an entire season, but Favre would rather be the hero than do what is right for the team.

When Thomas Jones and other players spoke out against him. My reaction was "it's about time." 

This guy didn't respect what was there and left the team in worse shape than it was before he arrived.  I am not saying Kellen Clemons would have been better down the stretch, but he couldn't have been worse. That is why Jones and others were so frustrated with him.

Thanks for the memories Brett.