The owner of the Minnesota Vikings is Zygi Wilf, which means Brett Favre has become The Boy Who Cried Wilf. He also now qualifies as the most persistently annoying athlete in sports, a man in distinct danger of losing his icon status in this country because he CAN'T ... MAKE ... UP ... HIS ... FRIGGIN' ... MIND. After telling us back on Feb. 11 that he truly, honestly, genuinely, emphatically is through with football -- "It's time to leave," he said -- guess what he's doing this week?He'll be meeting with Vikings coach Brad Childress about returning to the NFL for a 19th season, which would be his second un-retirement in less than a year and further evidence that Favre is dizzier than Courtney Love on a bender.
I realize, having been around Michael Jordan when the itch to return overwhelmed common sense, that the great ones have the most trouble shutting it down. But Favre waffles with disturbing mood swings, making the error of being so demonstrative about quitting the game -- remember his tearful press conference last year? -- that he prompts us to roll our eyes in comic disbelief. This time, I wanted to believe him and even went out on a limb and said I believed him.
Yep, I got Favred.
"At this time," he said last week when the New York Jets released him, "I am retired and have no intention of returning to football." Anyone who has monitored Favre's fluctuations through the years realizes those three words -- "At this time ..." -- served as a disclaimer. It told me that he was easing his way back in, and before you knew it, Childress wasn't denying that he and Vikings brass were weighing the Favre option.
"We talk about everything," Childress said. "So yeah, I'm sure we'll talk about that."
As someone who watched Favre at his swashbuckling, improvisational best, twice a year in the Packers-Bears rivalry and most every January, I can't bear to watch him turn 40 this season. It was painful enough at the end of last season, when his torn biceps tendon turned his howitzer arm into a water pistol and rendered him a useless old man who let the Jets collapse. But mired in denial, he is convinced that the injury will heal on its own and that surgery isn't required. That is a polar-opposite view of what he said on his latest retirement day, when he revealed that he was in pain on almost every throw the last six weeks and that the shoulder had bothered him since last summer.
"I withstood so much for so long," Favre said then. "I guess it was a matter of time before something broke down, and it happened to be for a quarterback the most important thing, and that's the throwing shoulder. I don't think I was nearly as productive as the season progressed. It very well could be fine next year, but it could linger and bother me throughout the year. I just felt like it was time. I think to me, more than anything, that was a wakeup call."
Apparently, he hit the snooze button and went back to sleep. Favre obviously is still dreaming about exacting revenge on his mortal enemy, Packers general manager Ted Thompson, who ran him out of Green Bay and then stonewalled Minnesota as an option last summer before Favre agreed to a Jets trade. There would be no sweeter payback than joining the Packers' bitter divisional rivals, the Vikings, and outplaying his golden successor, Aaron Rodgers, in two regular-season victories. But do I have to be the one who reminds Favre that he could fail miserably, as well, and that losing twice and playing poorly only would make Thompson look smarter? As it is, few people in Wisconsin, despite the overwhelming love for Favre in the state, think the switch was a blunder after Rodgers' fine debut season as a starter. If Favre looks old and washed up again, his legacy takes one more blow to the gut.
Not that his place in sports history is in any peril. Brett Lorenzo Favre already is established as the game's all-time quarterbacking record-holder and ironman, and even a clunky end to his career can't mar his body of work. But what we want from our legends -- a selfish stance here, I admit -- is an ending as close to perfect as possible. Jordan had it, with a flick of a wrist in Utah for the game-winning shot and his final championship, but he chose to abandon the movie scene for a hollow run in Washington. John Elway went out exactly the right way, with a second Super Bowl title after it seemed he'd never win one. Most times, an athlete isn't in position to call his going-away shot.
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Could Favre possibly take the Vikings to the Super Bowl? He would have a franchise running back in Adrian Peterson, a monster defensive line and a team that went 10-6 last season before an erratic young quarterback, Tarvaris Jackson, proved he wasn't ready to beat Philadelphia in a playoff game. Two years ago, I'd have endorsed the Minnesota move. Today, I anticipate wobbly spirals, tough losses and a grayer beard. Does he really want to participate in minicamps and training camps, the chores that drove him away? Does he remember what he said on Feb. 11?
"I have family and friends who say, 'All right, Brett, is this the real deal?' And it is," he said. "It is, believe me. It's been a wonderful career. I couldn't ask for anything more. It was worth a shot for me to go to New York. I wish I could have played better down the stretch. I didn't. It's time to leave. Emotionally, I'm OK with it."
He isn't OK with it, obviously. The Jets experience didn't end well, you'll recall. He was ripped by running back Thomas Jones, who said Favre should have been benched during a three-interception debacle, and safety Kerry Rhodes, who questioned Favre's commitment as a teammate. "If he's dedicated and he wants to come back and do it the right way ... and be here when we're here in training camp and the minicamps and working our with us, then I'm fine with it," Rhodes said. "But don't come back if it's going to be half-hearted or he doesn't want to put in the time with us." Think some Vikings players don't share the same thoughts? Even if he sounds like a better alternative than Jackson or Sage Rosenfels?
Favre's agent, Bus Cook, denies that Favre is coming back. Of course, on a credibility meter, Alex Rodriguez deserves our trust more than Cook, who said repeatedly last year that Favre wasn't returning. "He is retired and doesn't have any desire to come back, and that's the way it is with Brett," Cook told ESPN. "He's mowing his grass. He's working on his farm. He enjoys that stuff."
So why did he ask for his release from the Jets? "Brett wants to retire as a Packer, and that's just part of it," Cook said.
I'd like to believe No. 4 is mowing his lawn and feeding his chickens. I'd like to think Brett Favre realizes he has accomplished more than most athletes who've walked the planet and should move on to TV or coaching or pig-breeding. But I'm afraid the football itch is back.
And I speak for America when I say we're tired of scratching it.
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Tired of Brett Favre, are you kidding me? Who is Jay Mariotti to speculate that Favre is in "distinct danger of losing his icon status." That is the most absurd claim I have ever heard. Favre owns virtually every career passing record in existence, but with that said maybe Mariotti has a point. I can foresee Chris Berman twenty years from now (not looking a day over 40 I might add) comparing the next up and coming NFL QB to Dan Marino and Peyton Manning, while sidestepping the all-time record holder Brett Favre, because his legendary career was diminished by playing for too long.
Let us think rationally here for a moment Mariotti. We might have the opportunity to watch an NFL legend continue his career for another season. Is he on the top of his game? No. Will be better and more entertaining than watching Sage Rosenfels and Tavaris Jackson? I don't want to speak for America, but I will speak for common sense and the clear cut answer is, YES! Favre did not finish so hot last year, but if you recall, he did begin the season 8-3. Maybe, just maybe, playing on the frozen tundra, which was once Brett Favre's biggest strength, is now his biggest weakness as old age begins to settle in.
So Mariotti, be thankful that for one more season you get to watch an NFL legend compete. Who cares if he changes his mind a 1000 times. It is people like Brett Favre that keep you employed Mr. Mariotti. If you want to complain about someone, write a rant on Michael Vick, he kills animals, or tell us how stupid Plaxico Burress is for shooting himself in the leg, but don't complain about being alive to witness an NFL icon coming back to play another season.
I'm tired of him too. There should be a third option in the poll that says "Lost all respect when he came back last year"
How dare this guy use the name "John"! I'm John - and I am not tired of Brett Favre playing football. Don't let this imposter fool you!
I'm the original John. :D
Well Jay, I think Alex pretty well expressed my sentiments. But just who do you think you are by saying you speak for America? Barack Obama? You don't speak for me because of the pure BS you're spewing...
Mariotti, perhaps you forget about two quarterback icons of the past...Johnny Unitas and Joe Namath. Remember Unitas as a San Diego Charger? Or Namath as a Los Angeles Ram? One thing most great athletes have in common is their desire to compete, even when they are just a shadow of their former selves. Hmmm, I wonder if sportswriters also suffer the same fate. Let's see, Jay Mariotti...couldn't call it quits as his skill level deteriorated and his original thoughts disappeared and ended up at AOL. I can hear some sports authority saying in 20 years, "Yes I remember when he was on top of his game at the Sun-Times."
Awwww Shucks! This guy really needs a shrink OR he is an egotistical self-serving moron. I hope he does come back AGAIN and I will enjoy watching him tossed around like a rag doll AGAIN and watch him crash & burn in December AGAIN.......
PS: Even in his "hay-day" he was never that good in December or the 4th quarter.
think before you type bonehead
Jay, I hate Brett Favre with the passion of 1,000 gypsies, so I COMPLETELY understand your sentiments. I hope he goes away forever.
I can't believe all these people who come on just to bash Jay - really? You get your rocks off doing that? Get a life, ugh.
I Hated Brett Favre, still do and probably I wont care for him when he's using a cane. Go away, Brett !! dont you just get it?? nobody cares about you!!! In Fact,if it wasnt for the media, you'd be long forgotten since what , 5 years ago? Wasnt it about the time you had everything in a silver platter for a super bowl run and New York Giants beat your ass in Green bay?? yeah..........dud, seriosuly, I hope you read this,.......get lost!!!
We we go again! The Favre-bashing sports writers are out in full force. All you guys - and that includes Ryan Wilson and Bruce Ciskie - should be required to post a sign on the top of your article that reads: "This paid advertisement has been approved by Ted Thompson and Company". Quit sounding as if you work for Green Bay Packers. Stick to the Facts. If the Minnesota Vikings want to have Favre as their starting quarterback, that is their perogative. Personally, I think it is a good move.
Well, John, Don, and Alex.....I do believe the 3 of you expressed my sentiments as well as I could! How dare Mr. Mariotti assume to speak for me regarding Brett Favre!!!
I, personally, hope he comes back and plays for the Vikings, and in the process lays it on Green Bay for the atrocious way they treated him!! If he feels like he can still contribute and the Vikings, or any other team for that matter, wants him, then I say go for it. There was certainly some reason that the Pack put the restrictions in when he went to the Jets... hehehe
Do have a good day all from a Brett Favre AND fanatical Cowboys fan,
Brenda
Favre can and should play football if he wants
to...it is his choice...his life...who is he
hurting?...he is the only one that needs to
worry about his name, reputation, or legacy.....
He wants to know in his own mind if it is really
over ...if he attends the camps, works out,
strengthens his body will it make a difference
on the field even though he will be 40....that
is what he wants to find out....if he does all
of the above and he doesn't play well then he
has his answer....he isn't trying to revenge
GB decision of 2007...he loved his teammates
and GB fans....I never heard one GB player say
anything but only good things about Favre.....
he is a competitor...so what if he wants to play
for the Vikings.....he knows the system so that
by itself is half the battle...does anyone think
what he is asking from himself is going to be a
walk in the park....this is hard work...grueling
workouts to get into condition for all players..
let the guy alone....it is none of our business
what he decides about his life....if you don't
want to see him play then don't watch....as for
me "GET THE POPCORN READY'....................
I remember watching your face time on ATH saying he should stay retired. I think he should too. I used to like him but now it's all terrible.
When "Alex", (first post) wrote that Marriotti's opinion that "...Favre is in 'distinct danger of losing his icon status.' That is the most absurd claim I have ever heard", in my opinion, that's not true.
Mike Golick, the ESPN blob in the morning once said that "...The Beatles are overrated". THAT would be the most absurd claim I've ever heard. In fact, no defensive lineman has EVER been heard to have said anything quite so stupid. But, hey, no championship(s), 11.5 sacks and 3 interceptions in a nine-year NFL career, along with an admission to taking steriods, what would you expect? Fat load.
But to the point, you're too close to the Favre situation. He IS tarnishing his legacy. Fans everywhere are tired of him. And how about a little "Just For Men" in the beard?
In the NFC Championship game two years ago in Green Bay (vs Giants), remember now, that's TWO years ago, Brett looked like a cold, miserable old man...and that last pass? Oy!
Betty, errrrr, I mean Brett, has stayed too long at the party, his arm likely won't get better on its own, why can't Marriotti, the little Italian leprechan that he is, why can't he be one to pronounce what is obvious to everyone outside the 54303 zip: he's done AND he's SO ANNOYING.
If reporters quit reporting rumors, it would have stopped long ago. I saw Bus Cook in a interview today and he said Brett is retired.
Who says he's interested in playing, REPORTERS hoping for more to write about. How about terrible driving Albert Hainsworth!
Isn't what Favre's doing by coming back the same thing Jay is doing here? Competing, or in Favre's case WANTING to compete against a former employer that he feels wronged him. Jay does it, yet Brett can't? Sorry Jay, I'm a long time fan, but you're flying solo this time.
Yesterdays' announcement that Brett Farve was still retired reminded me of that old Chevy Chase running gag on Saturday Night Live. "This breaking news just in. Generalissimo Francisco Franco is still valiantly holding on in his fight to remain dead".
Like Ricky Bobby, Brett Favre "tastes of America." And it's not a good taste.
http://eagercolin.wordpress.com/2009/05/09/brett-favre-tastes-of-america/
Where is the poll for washed up writers? Does anyone really give a rats a$$ what Jay Mariotti has to say??
Who is Favre hurting, IF he dicides to play? GB didn't want him...they wanted to "move on" with Rodgers. You booted him out of GB and now feel you have the right to decide when he should/shouldn't play the game that he loves.
Sticking it to GB, last season, YES. He played for THE team that GB DECIDED he CAN play for. To play for Minnesota, is Favre's desire to WIN. He knows this team, like he knew GB--minus the talent! Minnesota is set-up to win the Superbowl and NOW(if they stay healthy)!
Favre gives the Vikings the best chance to win, vs. their options. Is he the best QB in the NFL?? No. BUT he is just as good as the top 5 QB's in the NFL.
Favre has YET to utter a word about coming out of retirement....but the media hype just runs with these stories. Most of you people are so gullible and will believe everything you read...
Favre isn't begging teams to sign him...Minnesota is PURSING him. Most of you Favre bashers, act as if Favre is standing in line, asking for YOUR last pint of blood. Who care's what you think Favre should do?? What have you done in your lives, to surpass what Favre has accomplished?