Favre Returns... Again; Devoted Leader Of The Minnesota Vikings?

Why Brett?

As I sit here with my third cup of coffee, I realize two things; I am way too big of an NFL die-hard, and Brett has taken selfishness beyond what anyone has ever seen in the current NFL.

Sure, in recent memory (think last 15 years or so) there were the likes of “The Boz” in Brian Bosworth and “Bo Knows” in Bo Jackson. Heck, even Jerry Rice stayed a little past his prime, (okay, a lot). But yet, the focus was never as much on a single player, and the curiosity of “will he, won’t he" ever present than what we have seen in new NFL Prima Donna Mr. Favre.

(I am sure that’s what he would like us to call him) When I look back at the Bo or “Boz” days, it is all favorable; just some guys having some fun on the field.

Jerry Rice was the first NFL guy I remember hoping he would stay retired, because after all, how can a legend work for another team other than the one he is famous for?

Think Mick Jagger leading the line up for Poison, or Eddie Van Halen as the lead guitarist for Nickelback, it just doesn’t seem right.

Now as we get ready for the 41st season of the NFL as we know it, we have to deal with a player that thinks he is more important than the game itself.

Wow! What is amazing to me is the fact that a coach who is supposed to understand the foundational values of teamwork, timing, rhythm, dedication, and team unity—A guy who is responsible for all the men on the roster to show up on time, and in good condition. The same man who will trim his roster down to 53 solid players based off of observations made mainly from training camp—can accept a player, any player being so noncommittal.

Putting objectiveness as the focus for this message, I understand Brett can play some good ball. I understand that last season he played well in the playoffs. And I understand if the boy wants to play, let him play.

What I don’t understand is this; How can Brett Favre wake up and be so nonchalant about the decision to play?

Just a side note Brett, we all know that you hate training camp. By the Vikings organization allowing Brett to be so noncommittal mere weeks before Week 1 of the NFL, it devalues Brett’s teammates, and says nothing about the tight relationship the starting receivers should have with their starting QB. This bond can only grow from the weeks of hard work, practice and timing put in preparation for the regular season during training camp.

Brett’s move also does something very scary for the NFL. It sets the tone that if a guy is good enough, he doesn’t have to play by the rules that the rest of the NFL does.

Is this the message we want to send to our young players? This is the same message Brett sent the younger Aaron Rodgers when he stated something to the effect of, “My job is not to train my replacement.”

Way to go Brett, the legends of NFL superstars greater than you are weeping, because in all truth they did “train their replacements.” The trained men who would come after them and embody what the NFL really stands for; sweat, hard work, dedication, sacrifice; 11 men united for a single purpose on a playing field fighting for an inch, a yard, a touchdown, a victory.

Maybe you don’t understand that Brett, and that is sad for you.

In answer to the question, why?

Just remember when the Favres, Mannings, and Bradys of this world move on, in the end, it is still about the game, that’s why.

Welcome to the NFL, again.

-Louie “The Rock” Santana