The Brett Favre Formula: How To Raise Hopes And Crush Them

      As Brett Favre walked off the field from yet another costly error in an overtime NFC Championship game, he had to wonder where it all went wrong. For the second time in three years, he threw a fatal interception that allowed the opposing team to get within field goal range and end the game. First it was the New York Giants, that night it was the New Orleans Saints. The thought going through both Vikings and Football fans was simple: Here we go again.

        To deny that Brett Favre is a living legend is foolish, but one can’t help but see the trail of disappointment and frustration this future hall of famer has left on many fans. After the 2007 NFC Championship game against the Giants, Favre announced he was retiring from football…again. That tune changed in 2008 when he signed with the New York Jets. Favre was touted as the shining knight that was brought in to save the frustrated New York franchise from mediocrity. And, for a while, it was good! Green Bay fans were certainly upset their hero had left his home of fifteen years, but New York fans were rejoicing in an all-star quarterback working with head coach Eric Mangini leading the Jets to victory. That opinion, however was short lived.

       The Jets finished their season 9-7, crumbling under the weight of an aging quarterback who was dispensing interceptions like movie theatre popcorn. In the weeks when the Jets needed them the most, Favre threw only 2 TD passes. The Jets hopes of playoff contention were crushed. And, with that, he left New York and said he was retiring. But, he didn’t leave everything the way he found it. Head coach Eric Mangini was fired and Favre cost the Jets a hefty $125,000 in fines as he claimed he was injured during the last five games of the season and the Jets failed to report it. This, of course being reported almost 8 months after he had left the Jets. Shortly after, he signed with the Minnesota Vikings.

      This time, Favre faired much better in his time in purple. He started the season 6-0. In November, he threw four TD passes, tying Dan Marino for the most in a single game. The Vikings were 10-5 when it was all said and done and on their way to the playoffs, riding on the accolades of a hall of famer who seemed to be back on the road to glory. Again, that was short lived.

       Favre did well in leading the Vikings to an astonishing win against the Dallas Cowboys. The Vikings humiliated the Cowboys, beating them 34-3. It was the first Vikings win in a playoff game. The Vikings were on their way to their first NFC. But, history repeated itself. After the loss, Favre told the press he wasn’t sure if he would play again next season or not.

     Fans are used to this “Favre Formula” from good ol’ No. 4: come out of retirement, have a few good games, talk a good game, but crumble when it really counts. Retire. Rinse. Repeat” Some were surprised he caved, others just looked to the past and shook their heads. They’ve been through this before. So has he. If Brett Favre wants to know what went wrong, he has to look no further than the mirror and see a man who leaves a trail of dust and debris in his wake.