Hostility No Surprise, but Favre Deserves Better

This was never anticipated, a disgruntled crowd that isn’t impatient greeting Brett Favre with heartwarming receptions when making a grand entrance by storming out the visitors’ tunnel. Today, animus natives of the Green Bay Packers fails to anoint an unprecedented legend who procured loyalty.

It's fair to postulate that some feel betrayed and hasn't assessed an ultimate sense regarding Favre’s impulsive transition. On a day his popularity may have unraveled in an unwelcomed return to Lambeau Field, a hostile environment seemed weary of un-retiring comebacks and  battered and misled, after general manager Ted Thompson appointed an actual timetable for Favre to make up his damn mind.

In the midst of an everlasting saga, Thompson literally was bothered and emotionally pondered and refused to allow Favre to join archrivals the Minnesota Vikings.

It explains why it wasn’t urgent getting rid of the prolific quarterback for ending a long-lasting saga just to keep away the beloved superstar before trading the two-time MVP to the New York Jets, where he struggled in a horrific season and underperformed. Shortly after, Favre deliberated on whether he should retire or un-retire, but instead opted to return again.

Throughout, it has been puzzling to guess on a specific retirement date, but a date doesn’t matter. What matters is, he can persist on fulfilling zest or revenge if he firmly returned to confirm to the world that he still has a powerful arm, specifically for executing a monstrous drive.   

For the most part, the epicenter of football seems to be Favre, whether it’s retiring, coming back, playing for his former team's archenemies or seeking revenge against the long-time franchise that he committed much of his livelihood to.

But if there’s hoopla referring to Favre, nonessential hype formulates and hijacks our minds by inspiring us to watch the future Hall of Famer seek vengeance on his former executives and teammates.

Living in an age when sports is based on politics, much of the Favre debates are based on politics. For instance, there are fans in Cheesehead territory who still adores his audacity and enthusiasm to toss passes, still playing as if he’s a raw athlete barely establishing into a legitimate legend, while there are some who still hold grudges.     

On this particular day, Packers fans went berserk, badly booing an old-timer who has amused an entire state. To have much hostility against Favre is pathetic, when he stirred the Packers to playoff berths and two Super Bowls. True, they were held hostage, ready to move forward with Aaron Rodgers, who patiently waited in the wings and earned his dream job as the starting quarterback.

After he was promised the starting job, the Packers were strictly committed to Rodgers and shut the doors on Favre. Because I believe he came back for vengeance, he still deserved a better reception other than a bitter one that he received. Although we all saw this coming, the belittling, harassment and derision of their long-time leader was erroneous.

At least, it seemed that taking a brief moment to honor a veteran with much ego and selfishness was a common way to pay tribute to a veteran that installed a winning atmosphere. Instead, Cheesehead maniacs are acting as true Packers fans, and express bitterness against anyone who signs to play for their archrivals.

By betraying Favre is a misconception and weird to visualize, when it seemed as if he only departed yesterday and traveled to the Vikings. Brad Childress, the coach of the Vikings, was desperate enough and accepted the embattled quarterback, to fix deficiencies that greatly were complications for hindering prosperity on its fragile offense.

A hostile crowd booed loudly, at Lambeau Field. When he arrived and touted out the tunnel they booed, when he warmed up they booed, when he entered to take his first snap they booed, and when he called signals from the line of scrimmage they booed.

He was badly insulted and wasn’t praised for signifying grace or dignity on a franchise that signified greatness and yearly rituals when football season approached. Even if his wishy-washy and selfish demeanor is perceived differently, he still deserved credit. But it will never happen as long as he’s a Viking.

Yes, his legacy will live on at Green Bay, but it might never be the same, an oddity difficult to keep from degenerating by signing with divisional rivals and enhancing its probability of dominating the division. His presence is the difference maker in a 7-1 record, including their perfect 2-0 in a two-game sweep putting them in good position of topping the Packers.

Just from the rebellious and out of class receptions, is proof that loyal fans are very distraught with the ex-Packer and believes he’s a traitor, refusing to stay true to an organization that strongly hates the Vikings.

Whether most angry fans are haters or critics just waiting to lambaste Favre, either way, that is, it could be a sign of enviousness towards a former legend for joining its archenemy. But furious supporters aren’t still over the remarks Favre made publicly weeks ago, when he admittedly pronounced that the Vikings are the most talented team.

Yes, those remarks right there are enough to upset a large crowd committed to embracing the Cheeseheads. Sometimes, real football geniuses sit and wonder if Thompson gave up on Favre prematurely and turned to Rodgers. Or sometimes, real Packers fans may agree with Thompson’s decision.

By hearing the warm receptions when Rodgers arrived, gives us the assumption barbaric fans are content with the up-and-coming gunslinger for lasting in a quarterback duel in each meeting against Favre.

Even though he denies vengeance, two victories against his former team at 40 is making a statement. He hasn’t played efficient in a long time, unless you are wise enough to include two years ago when he could’ve retired on top after leading the Packers to the NFC Championship Game, but unfortunately came up short.

Let’s not fail to realize that we are entitled to make any choices in our lives, meaning Favre is allowed to sign with any team. In the offseason, he singed with the Vikings, making a bold choice and ruined the way people recognize or evaluate him as a person based on his decisions. He’s not necessarily a villain for signing with the Vikings, and I will honestly say his legacy lives on.

Once again, he led the Vikings to a large margin victory, and sent the fans to the exits early disappointed to witness a 38-26 victory in a Sunday matinee. Notice Favre is more productive in the passing game if he's surrounded by an active supporting cast. A plethora of dangerous options offensively is huge for a veteran at Favre’s age, to whereas he isn’t force to implement a laborious task alone.

There’s no question Adrian Peterson is a game-changing running back and likely is the fastest man in the league. Maybe it’s in the cleats or shoes. Take a glance at his shoe collection. Maybe it makes him really explosive.

Meanwhile, in Favre’s emotional return, he dazzled and captivated us by completing 17 of 28 passes for 244 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions. Unlike last season, he’s careful with the football and avoids sacks, when he scrambles away from rushing defenders to finish on mind-blowing throws.

Face it, Favre’s Vikings is too powerful to stop in the NFC North, and mustered consistent drives in his old stadium and shattered angry hearts. Critics and fans need to cut down on the hostility, and praise the savvy old-timer for his work ethic and ability to dominant the game that he’s truly passionate in.

Leading a franchise for 16 years signified longevity that isn’t replaceable. But now, he’s portrayed as a villain for wearing a purple helmet and jersey as No. 4 still remains the same, ever since an ugly departure in Green Bay where tailgate parties reside, where Lambeau leaps originated and where Favre will always be a legend, despite an unhappy town that should be courteous enough to praise him.

After leaving behind memorabilia, it’s worth remembering a life-long legend eternally instead of booing.