Brett Favre: Taking Down the Reputations of Those Around Him

It seem that every year, (especially this year), quarterbacks are becoming more selfish, and more ignorant.

Yes Brett Favre, I'm looking at you.

Brett Favre, the poster-boy of this article, (and well-deserved poster boy), has not only severely tarnished his own reputation, but as well has contributed to hazy offseasons for coaches:  Mike McCarthy, Eric Mangini, and now Brad Childress.

And it's just not fair.

Two offseasons ago, Favre announced his retirement from the NFL.  An impressive career, littered with numerous records and accolades, was ready to be put to rest.

But Favre had a change of heart the following season, expressing interest to play quarterback in the NFL again, (and for the Packers).

However, at the same time that Favre was reading to move on, so were the Packers, and QB Aaron Rodgers was ready to prove his worth in the league.

Favre, and no one but Favre, created a murky, dreadful, and sorry offseason for the Packers that year. 

He wanted to return to the team, but Rodgers was already firmly in place at the QB position, and the head coach McCarthy thought that it would be unfair to let a quarterback who had already made his decision, (to retire), to come back and steal back his former spot from someone who was ready to take over, (Rodgers).

What was unfortunate about the situation also was the fact that now, Rodgers would be compared to Favre for the following season; fair or not.  If Rodgers did poorly, then McCarthy would take the heat, (because, had he let Favre return, they would have experienced more success).

Note- (Rodgers performed exceptionally last season, setting career highs in passing yards, (4,038), touchdowns, (28), and finishing No. 6 in passer rating).  Brett Favre finished a dismal 21st in the category.

Favre would not give up however, and was determined to play in the NFL again, now whether it be for an unfamiliar team or not.

He found a home in New York, (New York), and uncharacteristically played under the lime-light for the Jets.

Now, this situation wasn't near as bad as it was in Green Bay, no hard feelings were to be had, (except for maybe QB Kellen Clemens, who may have felt that he would have been the starter had Favre not joined the club).

As pointed out, Favre suffered a down season, perhaps because he was "physically" done playing football and the Jets failed to make the playoffs despite starting the season with a 7-3 record.

What happened at the end of the season was a real shocker—Favre retired yet again.

I remember thinking to myself, "FINALLY! Finally he was done."  I did truly wish the best for Favre, and remained respectful to his legacy, despite the fact that he really made me question myself.

But as always, "good things always come to an end"; and sure enough they did.

On the TV reads: BREAKING NEWS:  Brett Favre has met with Minnesota Vikings Head Coach Brad Childress.

PAUSE

What?  Are you serious?  Am I dreaming?  Somebody pinch me.

Brett, BRETT!  You were so convincing during your press conference.  Hell, you even had tears in your eyes!  You yourself said that you were done playing football in this league; that you would never come back.

And at this moment, I lost all respect for Brett Favre.

When people lie...twice, how can you still remain faithful to a human being? 

I'm sure that this evoked hatred from even the loyalist of Brett Favre fans.

The fact that Favre said that he wanted to join the Vikings in order to show the Packers up just makes me pity him more.

He is not coming back for the love of the game anymore, he is coming back to show the Packers up, and showing up is never the answer boys and girls; it only leads to bad things.

Favre had shoulder injury this offseason, and is still in the process of recovering, but is nearly finished.

Minnesota coach Brad Childress, knowing this, gave Favre a time-table to show up for practice, and it was later this week.

But wait, whats a Brett Favre story without a little confusion?

Apparently, Childress said no such thing, "not even close" was his words.

Really?  I'm pretty sure that I heard reports that you said that Favre had a week to show or no go.

But this cannot be blamed on the coach.  It is Favre.  He is the one who is creating these sticky situation for the coaches to be in.  If he [Favre] would just give the Vikings a damn answer on whether or not he was going to play or not, then life would be a whole hell of a lot easier for a lot of people on the Vikings staff (most namely Childress).

Does Favre not realize this?

He's a smart guy I know.  And he has had a special career I know.  But like all professional athletes, money and lust can get in the way and cloud the eyes of even the most respected athletes.