Brett Favre and the Golden Shoulder Pads

I have tried to ignore it. It’s literally been a very conscious effort on my behalf. I even pretended it wasn’t there—on that very first time I saw the Packers’ gold contrasting against the irregular Jets’ green.

It looks normal on Brett Favre, but remains grossly out of place with the New York Jets.

Someone close to Mr. Favre needs to inform him that it is time for new shoulder pads. I imagine that he has had them for a very long time and they may be broken in perfectly. They probably fit even better than his Wranglers—okay, maybe not.

Regardless, I understand that it would be tough to adjust to new equipment at this stage in his career. Heck, he returned to football because he couldn’t imagine life without putting them back on.

In the spirit of absolute honesty, I hate the gold shoulder pads. There—I said it! It's not out of dislike for the Green Bay Packers. I wish them the best and hope Aaron Rodgers continues to light it up.

But Seeing Favre wearing those colors hurts my feelings. When the camera moves to an angle where the color becomes visible, or when the jersey flutters and hangs awkwardly to prominently display that bright yellow on my vivid, high-definition screen—my spirit breaks. A little piece of my soul dies.

I must confess that I wasn’t among the legion of Jets’ fans welcoming Favre with open arms. My excitement eventually mounted as I explored the possibilities of what a Favre-led Jets’ team could do. I’ve since learned to cheer when Brett cheers. And as long as that Jets logo is on his shoulder, I will continue.

But when I see the gold staring at me from behind the Jets’ jersey, I’m reminded of some truths I’ve desperately tried to neglect.

It reminds me that I’m applauding a man whose heart is not with the team he’s playing for. I’m reminded of the introduction in Cleveland—with his, “I’m a Packer, I’ll always be a Packer,” remark, and the fake smile.

As I searched his face for any kind of jubilation, all I could find was regret thinly veiled behind his facade. I’m ultimately reminded that Favre’s time in New York will be a footnote, if not completely disregarded, when his Hall of Fame career is discussed in the near future.

It’s painful, Brett.

Imagine being involved with a new woman that still wears jewelry given to her by the last man in her life. I know she’d mostly be wearing it out of habit, but it’d be bothersome because it’s from a time that’s no longer relevant. The fact that she’s holding on to a relic from her past would make me uncomfortable.

I’d wonder, how often does she think of the past when she should be in the present? Do the items she retained from her previous relationship provide fonder memories for her to cling to?

It doesn’t matter that their relationship is over as she does her best to remind me that it’s a finished chapter in the story of her life. Maybe I’m too insecure to handle that piece of jewelry, shining brightly and awkwardly—taking away from what could be.

It disallows me from giving her my heart unconditionally because I’m convinced she’s not prepared to fully embrace me in return.

These are the emotions those golden shoulder pads inspire in my green-bleeding heart. I feel like I’m sitting at dinner with a new girlfriend while she’s thinking about the last time she came to the restaurant with her ex, and had a better table.

I don’t expect Favre to forget his years as a Packer. They’ve been a huge part of his life, and have made him the QB he is, and I wouldn’t dream of asking him to abandon that. But if he’s going to be here, then be here!

I only want Favre to try on some new shoulder pads. Buckle up something different, Brett! Maybe someone can help him find pads comfortable enough to wipe away that uncomfortable look he’s had since arriving in New York.

If not, maybe he can secure the aid of a quality seamstress—someone who can get some green and white fabric, and do a seamless sewing job to replace those old colors.

Most fans are convinced that Favre’s tenure as a member of the New York Jets will be for only one year. We deserve the respect of having a leader that wants to embrace that role.

Angel Navedo is the Head Writer at NYJetsFan.com, boasting Jet Fuel Radio, frequently updated news and opinions, and a premier fan community. He is also the Community Leader for the New York Jets on Bleacher Report