This week that is the burning question. My question however, is did he even have a great one to begin with? In order to do that we have to seriously look at the facts. He will be a first ballot hall of famer. He will be the career holder of 43 NFL records and in the top five in a dozen others and has played in 20 season. Some of his records are incredibly impressive like 294 straight starts, 507 passing touchdowns, 71,395 yards. Some, not so impressive like 333 interceptions, 520 time sacked, 165 career fumbles. Is this a product of greatness or longevity?
Fact is Brett Favre is a 3 time league MVP, 1 time Superbowl champion, 11 times he's been elected to the pro bowl. All impressive so what am I missing?
Fact Brett Favre could have walked away after the after the 2004 season and been a sure fire first ballet hall of famer with an impressive 376 touchdowns, 48,000 Yards, 63% completion percentage and every ones love. His coaches thought he was leaving they drafted Aaron Rodgers, he hinted at leaving, it was all the buzz on ESPN the NFL Network, magazines, radio shows and unfortunately that buzz continued for another 6 years.
There's no shame in ageing and wanting to hold on to past glory hell Michael Jordan was a Wizard missing slam dunks at all star games, Willie Mays was bumbling around the outfield as a Met, Joe Montana flamed out as a Chief, Joe Namath do we really need to talk about his run with the Colts, Dan Marino was literally forced out the door. So I don't blame Brett for wanting to continue it's only natural he was a great player for 14 years.
He was even able to pull off one of the most spectacular seasons of his career with the 2009 Minnesota Vikings. So sticking around wasn't all that bad especially not for Vikings fans that were given hope.
But something changed in the 2009 AFC championship game. Brett was the talk of the NFL, He had vignettes and interviews going into and out of every single commercial break. And then one fatal phrase changed it all. Troy Aikman at the end of the first half said, Man he looks old and the vignettes ceased, the greatness of Brett took a major hit as all through the second half his decision making was drawn into question. Could it Be? Did almighty Brett with the blue jeans and Prilosec and southern drawl and awe shucks attitude fall from grace.
Through out the course of the next few weeks all the talk was Brett hang it up, and for the first time since good ol John Madden dubbed him the greatest I heard genuine disdain from the media towards the golden child Brett. Then came the reports from former teammates calling him selfish, the report from his former wide out Greg Jennings who said Brett didn't even talk to him the first few weeks of his time in Green Bay. Even his own running back in Minnesota said that he had heard that Brett changed running plays to passing plays in the huddle but was truly surprised at how often he did it. Non of that sounds like a team player and certainly not the Brett we've all grown to love. Then the reports from his agent calling Brett a "Drama King" Then came the photos to a supermodel. Um what do you think legacy tarnished?
But the faith never wavered in Minnesota cause they had that one shinning glimmer of hope.
I can't blame Brett solely for the destruction of the 2010 Minnesota Vikings. I think going into the season with only three defensive backs when your weak point is your secondary is an issue. I also think bad play calling, misuse of the running game, bad clock management, and the ego that will not let you take responsibility for your actions instead pass the buck on your players had a great deal to do with it. (huh sounds similar to what's going on with my Dolphins) All of that stuff was addressed with the firing of Brad Childress earlier today. It really didn't help either that his top two receivers from last year spent more time looking for band aids and medical tape then the ball. But I must say Brett's play has been, well, erratic.
Wait what was that last word erratic, inconsistent, up and down, less than spectacular some times then incredible others. Kinda sums up Brett's career doesn't it.
When looking at all time great QB's in the game you always draw conclusions based on their play. When I say a name it conjures up a description. For example, Peyton Manning probably the smartest QB in the history of the NFL. Dan Marino was the greatest pure pocket passer I've ever seen, Joe Montana was Joe cool nothing rattled him, John Elway had a cannon for an arm and more heart and determination than I've ever witnessed before.
Brett Favre erratic, inconsistent and the worst thing selfish. He played with heart he played through injuries and mental pain but how much of that was for another record? How much of that was a detriment to his team in order to to get one more game, one more throw, one more touchdown. Ask the Jets how their 2008 season was a wash thanks to an injured QB running out there every week.
And the worst thing Brett ever did was go and play for the enemy. The hated purple and gold and why? So he could play the Packers a couple times and stick it to them. Sounds a little selfish to me.
The fact is Brett Favre is a hall of fame quarterback and rightfully so he holds records, he's got longevity, heart and played at a high level for many years. He's battle through adversity some of which he caused but adversity non the less. He brought the Green Bay Packers to relevance again and gave the Minnesota Vikings hope. I can't deny that even at one time I told my friends that we need to watch every game he's got left cause we may never see anything like him again, granted that was six years ago.
But I ask you did he destroy his legacy? Did we destroy his legacy? Did the coaches? Did the media? Or should he have never even had one to begin with?
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