Missing the Point

10/5/09

The “why” behind the Favre saga.

For a while now I have been a Packers fan, or so I thought. I became a Packer’s fan through circumstance. Growing up a HUGE Alabama Football fan, I was brainwashed to love George Teague after “the play” he made against Miami in the 92’ Sugar Bowl. The Packers then drafted Teague.

For years I followed the Packers. I was lucky enough to cheer on the pack for 15 seasons including a Superbowl victory, another appearance, playoff runs, three head coaches and three MVP’s. 

As the coaches changed, I was still a Packers fan. As the results worsened, I was still a Packers fan. As Favre considered retirement (albeit multiple times), I was still a Packers fan. When Favre retired and the presumably well-groomed Aaron Rodgers was ready to take over, I was still a Packers fan. When Favre tried to come back and was refused, I was not still a Packers fan.

One of the worst things a fan has to go through is hearing their favorite athlete and/or team being scrutinized whether it is from a badass writer/analyst like Skip Bayless, or a no-knowledge ass clown on twitter. It is painful, and as a Favre fan, plentiful.

Through the disrespect shown to Favre from the Packers and the media, I came to a realization: I was never a gung-ho Packers fan. I admired players like the late Reggie White, Frank Winters, Robert Brooks, Antonio Freeman, loved Gilbert Brown, and many more. But this whole time I have been a Favre fan.

Last year was truly a year of confusion. I started off trying to cheer for the Pack and couldn’t. I found myself not even knowing whom they were playing on Sundays. I then began to notice I would look up Jets scores on my phone and vigorously follow Favre’s results. I could not let go. I am not sure if it was Ted Thompson dismissing him from the organization he revitalized, or Favre just being a champion and role model in every right. I struggled cheering for the Jets because of the extreme hatred I have for Eric Mangini and I ached again when Favre struggled at the end of the year.

Déjà vu – Favre retires. I think I can finally let go. I struggled not cheering for the Pack and cheering for the Jets. I watch Favre throwing routes in his rugged gear to High School players and leave in his F-250 with reporters, like sudors, creepily watching his workouts and following him to every doctor’s appointment. I hear perpetual debate on ESPN about Brett going to the Vikings, and I keep thinking, no way he comes back. I am watching ESPN this summer and see “breaking news.” Say no more, Mort; I have heard the reasons he should come back. Great RB, an offense he knows, sound defense, easy transition, and possible revenge against the Packers all seem like great reasons to come back. Brett agreed.  I was thrilled. 

I received some grief last year from my friends for cheering for the Jets, although I did a good job keeping it close to the vest. I was actually embarrassed. I was a disloyal fan. This happens all the time. No one player is better than a team. I had been a fan for 15 years. 15 years. I couldn’t possibly be a Favre fan instead of a Packers Fan.

When he signed with the Vikings and I listened to his press conference, I was no longer embarrassed. I, like my friends, was missing the point. He is not a normal QB. Not a normal athlete. In his press conference he basically said, I don’t care what anybody thinks. I don’t care that everyone has to wait. I am doing this for me. I don’t care how I am remembered. I am doing this for me. I don’t care what some journalism major from Vanderbilt says. I am doing this for me. The Vikings wanted me bad, and now I want them.

This is the same guy who everyone, whether they want to admit or not, has loved at some point. From his young, wide-eyed face running down the field in Superbowl XXXI, or an embarrassed face admitting addiction to pain killers. In an age where athletes drug problems and corresponding excuses are as prominent as a Lane Kiffin slip-up, Favre doesn’t deny or make excuses. He stared it right in the face and corrected his problem.

As a southerner, how can you not appreciate a candid athlete who wears a vineyard vines hat and a golf shirt at a press conference as opposed to an Armani suit, diamond studs, and sunglasses indoors. He truly enjoys competing. For all Romo and Cutler fans, you are also a Favre fan because you enjoy a gunslinger who wears his emotions on his sleeve. Favre is the “daddy” of this type.

For all those who have lost a loved one, you are a Favre fan. The day after losing his father (who he was extremely close with and who even coached Brett in High school) Favre managed to throw for 399 yards and 4 touchdowns. Even Raider nation applauded this effort.

Lastly for those who have met Brett, you are undoubtedly a fan. I met Favre at a hall of fame dinner at the Senior Bowl. I was a 12 yr old and completely immersed in sports, especially football. He was talking to some “big wigs” at the head table and I walked up with a Packers hat and jersey for him to sign. I interrupted his conversation and an older southern man goes “son please don’t bother Mr. Favre, he’s busy” Brett politely ignored the old man, signed both items and couldn’t have been nicer.

Now Brett is playing for a division rival, and I might as well paint my house purple. I am a Vikings fan, and by that I mean a Favre fan. I am enjoying the success of the Vikings, and for those of you that missed it—the out-of-shape, old, past his time Brett Favre managed to throw a last second bomb to beat the 49ers last week. He is still capable of making plays and will lead the Vikings to a good year, maybe even a Superbowl. Favre-fetched? I think not.

- rw