Good Night Farve

On of the greatest football players of all time has hung up his cleats this past week. Brett Favre called it a career after 17 seasons and a record 275 consecutive starts. I challenge any of you to remember the last time you showed up to work 275 consecutive days, never mind a workplace that has 300 pounders chasing you down on a regular basis. Brett embodied what football is about: team, grit, selflessness, perseverance and determination. A wizard on the field who had the unique ability to make the Lambeau faithful feel hatred for his decision making and glee for his greatness all within the same play.

The greatest loser of all this week is the NFL and its fans. In the league of “me”, Brett stood head and shoulders above the rest. With apologies to John Elway, Brett is the NFL’s greatest loss since Montana in 1994 and I cannot name another of his class in the game today. Over the years players retirements have simply signaled the beginning of a new career in broadcasting (Keyshawn, Emmitt, Michael Irvin, Marino, Boomer, Phil Simms, Tiki, I could go on forever). It’s amazing the Newhouse School of Broadcasting grads are able to find jobs with the amount of former players flooding the screens. With that said Brett is probably one you will not find following suit.

This is what made the man so special for so many years.

There was no other player fans could identify more with than #4. His honesty, blue collar work ethic, flare for the dramatic and gunslinger reputation made him a fan favorite much beyond the Wisconsin borders. Hailing from Mississippi, Brett entered the league as an underdog and never lost that chip on his shoulder, and he never lost sight of the fact it was just a game. Always one to laugh and joke in the most stressful of times (see Warren Sapp) Brett embodied what we all would want our sons to grow up to be.

I may be wrong, but I would think that Brett Favre sightings will become fewer and further between in the coming years. The man will rest his weary body back home in Mississippi and go on living his life just like the rest of his, shaving every week or 2 and rocking the denim as often as possible. If ever there was a Wrangler Jeans and Marlboro commercial icon rolled into one it is Brett.

With that I want to say thank you Brett for reminding us how the game should be played. Enjoy your time off, you’ve earned it, and good night….