Favre to Retire...

[JimmyWint]

Source-Foxsports.com

Too bad his last pass was an interception. One of the top 5 ever in my opinion. One more Super Bowl would have helped though!

[Lathum]

Such a shame but at least he went out with a nice season.

[Butter]

I'll believe it when the Packers take the field in week 1 and they have a new QB. Until then, we've been down this road many, many times before.

[BrianD]

Sad way to start the day...

[Jas_lov]

It is certainly a sad day. It's always sad when one of the all time greats hangs them up. I'm gonna miss Favre scrambling and flinging the ball around erratically. He definitely was fun to watch and he put the Packers in the hunt almost every year he was there. I think he's definitely somewhere between 5-10 all time. I don't know if I'd put him in the top 5 though. I hope Aaron Rogers can be decent next year as the Packers have a very solid, young team and there's no reason they can't make the playoffs next year.

[Anthony]

this was the best time to retire. only thing that could've happened was he had a really horrible season and that's what woul've been people's lasting memory of him.

[Dr. Sak]

Somewhere John Madden is crying...

[Capital]

Sad and a bit surprising to see Favre retiring after the great last season he and the Packers had. Funny thing is that I thought Favre would have retired a few years ago but I had changed my mind for next year.

[Anthony]

Somewhere John Madden is crying...

unless Favre joins him in the booth....then it'd be nirvana for him.

[Coffee Warlord]

And now the Packers are in worse QB shape than the Bears. Tee hee.

Tell you what, I laughed with glee every time Favre got mauled, but I do respect the guy. One helluva player and competitor.

[PilotMan]

Just my guess, but with Moss signing yesterday, it appears that some of the pundits had it correct that if the Pack couldn't land him or at least one more weapon that he would hang it up. It is curious that this comes so soon on Moss' signing.

[molson]

It looks like Moss re-signing with the Pats was the "last straw", Mortenson says that Favre was going to commit to 2 more years if they could bring him in.

[sachmo71]

But they could have had Donte STallworth!

[PilotMan]

GOTCHA

[Crim]

unless Favre joins him in the booth....then it'd be nirvana for him.

That'd be one hella ugly sausage fest.

[Kodos]

And now the Packers are in worse QB shape than the Bears. Tee hee.


I'm pretty sure I'd take Rodgers over anyone on the Bears right now. At least we aren't SURE that Rodgers sucks.

[korme]

I think John Clayton or somebody said yesterday that Favre was probbaly going to play more than 1 season still!

I guess I'll remember the day Brett Favre retired pretty easily.

[Lathum]

If Rodgers does suck Derek anderson should be available next yead

[WSUCougar]

Wow.

Pity he couldn't get something akin to a farewell tour around the league. I can't recall another player being so popular with everyone league-wide.

He's my personal all-time team QB. And I grew up a Vikings fan!

[Jas_lov]

I'm pretty sure I'd take Rodgers over anyone on the Bears right now. At least we aren't SURE that Rodgers sucks.

Even Rex Grossman? LOL! He's just a delusional Bears Fan. Rodgers should be ready. He's only been sitting on the bench for 3 years. Whether or not he'll be any good does remain to be seen. We already know Grossman sucks. And it's not like Rodgers is inheriting the Miami Dolphins here. The Packers have a solid defense, a good running game, good WRs and TE. Who in the Packers division is that much better than a Favre-less Packers team, if any? Exactly.

[Schmidty]

I'm a Favre hater, so this news makes me happy.

[Crim]

I'm a Favre hater, so this news makes me happy.

:confused:

[Lathum]

I'm a Favre hater, so this news makes me happy.

How can you possibly hate Favre?

Do you hate kittens also?
Ice cream?

[JimmyWint]

Statement from Ted Thompson on packers.com...

Brett Favre has informed us of his intention to retire from the Green Bay Packers and the NFL. He has had one of the greatest careers in the history of the National Football League, and he is able to walk away from the game on his own terms - not many players are able to do that.

The Packers owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude. He has given Packers fans 16 years of wonderful memories, a Super Bowl championship among them, that will live on forever. Brett's many accomplishments on the field are legendary. He leaves the game holding virtually every career passing record, plus his consecutive starts streak, which may never be duplicated.

The uniqueness of Brett Favre - his personality, charisma and love of the game - undoubtedly will leave him as one of the enduring figures in NFL history.

I guess that makes it official.

[Honolulu_Blue]

How can you possibly hate Favre?

Do you hate kittens also?
Ice cream?

While I don't hate Favre, I can see where Schmidty is coming from as a Lions fan. You can't help but be a little bitter at the man after all those years of him kicking the Lions in the teeth. Given Schmidty's penahce for bitterness, I can see how it'd turn into hatred for the man, especially given all the media love/fawning he receives.

As a Lions fan, I am glad to see him go, though I fully expect Aaron Rodgers to light up the Lions for years to come...

[Jas_lov]

I think he's a Lions fan and as we all know, Favre dominated the Lions during his career. Maybe he's hoping that the Lions will actually be good this year and might be able to defeat the Favre-less Packers. But many of us know that's not gonna happen, Favre or no Favre. The Lions will finish in the cellar of the NFC North once again.

[Coffee Warlord]

I'm pretty sure I'd take Rodgers over anyone on the Bears right now. At least we aren't SURE that Rodgers sucks.

The offense presently consists of Devin Hester on returns and Gould kicking field goals. We don't really need a QB, therefore, better shape. :)

[Dr. Sak]

The Bears need to draft Darren McFadden and adopt the Wildhog formation.

[Schmidty]

How can you possibly hate Favre?

Do you hate kittens also?
Ice cream?

I've always hated him. When I watch sports, I watch as a fan of my teams, first and foremost. Favre was the enemy, especially being within the same division as the Lions. Even when he's not playing against the Lions, I root against him.

I also hated Michael Jordan, George Brett, Mario Lemieux, etc... I'm not into hero worship on an individual level.

[Passacaglia]

I think he's a Lions fan and as we all know, Favre dominated the Lions during his career. Maybe he's hoping that the Lions will actually be good this year and might be able to defeat the Favre-less Packers. But many of us know that's not gonna happen, Favre or no Favre. The Lions will finish in the cellar of the NFC North once again.

Favre actually had a reputation of struggling in the Silverdome for a while.

[Surtt]

I've written before that I like Favre and the way that he played, but the media's nauseating treatment of him made it impossible to enjoy his accomplishments -- the record number of touchdowns, interceptions, and consecutive starts -- at face value. Really, I'm just glad that the annual off-season circus of speculation over. Let the Aaron Rodgers era begin.

from With Leather


I think this sums up how I feel exactly.
If he would have never become the NFL poster boy, I would still like him.
We still get to look forward to 3-5 years of Greatest Quarterback Eveh!!!
Then maybe he can fade away.

This is not a comment about Favre, it is about what the NFL has become.

[Pumpy Tudors]

How can you possibly hate Favre?

Do you hate kittens also?
Ice cream?
I actually do hate ice cream.

[Lathum]

I actually do hate ice cream.

we weren't talking about you

[EagleFan]

Not sure I would say top 5 all-time for Favre. He had his moments but he could also be a bottom 5 QB with many of his throw it up for grabs interceptions.

I would put Montana, Marino, Stalbauch (sp?, but does it really matter if I mispell a Cowgirl QB), Bradshaw, Elway and Brady ahead of him and that's just off the top of my head.

[Pumpy Tudors]

we weren't talking about you
What if I said I hate Brett Favre?

[cthomer5000]

I agree that I wouldn't say Top 5, but definitely an all-time great and first-ballot hall of famer.

As much as hearing it from John Madden late in his career drained my enjoyment of it - It was actually nice to see someone who so clearly enjoyed actually playing, particularly early in his career.

The Brett Favre-Warren Sapp playoff encounters were a lot of fun. And the 3-way Cowboys/49ers/Packers playoff meetings are for me the best stretch fo NFL postseson I've ever personally witnessed. There was like a 5 year span where some combination of those teams met in the conference championship game, and they were all great.

[Arles]

I'm definitely sad to see him go. But, he had a very good final season and I think it's time for us (as Packer fans) to start transitioning forward. I'd like to see what Rodgers can do (and maybe sign a vet backup), but the strength of this team is the RB, WR, defense and special teams. This isn't like it would have been if Brett would have retired three years ago when we had nothing but Favre and scrubs.

[Arles]

dola, it was reported in GB that the Packers were told by Brett last week that this would be his decision. So, the Moss thing doesn't seem to have impacted it.

[Crim]

Why would a Lions fan hate Brett Farve? That's like getting buggered by two platoons of gorillas, and saying afterward, "Geez that one gorilla who came back for seconds was a real sonofabitch."

In fact, other than Matt Millen, I can't fathom how a Lions fan can hate any individual with any particular vitriol. It's not as if at any point in 16 years Brett Farve was the one man keeping the Lions from winning a championship, right?

I can see why Cowboys fans would hate Bradshaw or Montana, why Browns fans would hate Elway, even why Packers fans would hate Aikman maybe, but Lions fans oughtta just hate the Lions. Or maybe hate the NFL.

[EagleFan]

dola, it was reported in GB that the Packers were told by Brett last week that this would be his decision. So, the Moss thing doesn't seem to have impacted it.

That's the "official" version at least...

[Dr. Sak]

Why would a Lions fan hate Brett Farve? That's like getting buggered by two platoons of gorillas, and saying afterward, "Geez that one gorilla who came back for seconds was a real sonofabitch."

In fact, other than Matt Millen, I can't fathom how a Lions fan can hate any individual with any particular vitriol. It's not as if at any point in 16 years Brett Farve was the one man keeping the Lions from winning a championship, right?

I can see why Cowboys fans would hate Bradshaw or Montana, why Browns fans would hate Elway, even why Packers fans would hate Aikman maybe, but Lions fans oughtta just hate the Lions. Or maybe hate the NFL.

Is it okay for everyone to hate Terrell Owens?

[Crim]

And the 3-way Cowboys/49ers/Packers playoff meetings are for me the best stretch fo NFL postseson I've ever personally witnessed. There was like a 5 year span where some combination of those teams met in the conference championship game, and they were all great.

+1, cthomer. During that time frame, even the regular season matchups were so freakin enormous, because you could pretty much pencil in the winner of the round robin as the NFC Championship Game home team.

[Crim]

Is it okay for everyone to hate Terrell Owens?

No, bsak16, it's not just "okay", it's required.

[cthomer5000]

Just to make sure my memory wasn't exaggerating, i looked it up:

<TABLE class="wikitable sortable" id=sortable_table_id_0><TBODY><TR class=odd><TD align=middle>1992-93 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NFL_playoffs%2C_1992-93)</TD><TD>Dallas Cowboys (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dallas_Cowboys) (6)</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>San Francisco 49ers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Francisco_49ers)</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>San Francisco (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Francisco)</TD><TD>Candlestick Park (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monster_Park)</TD></TR><TR class=even><TD align=middle>1993-94 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NFL_playoffs%2C_1993-94)</TD><TD>Dallas Cowboys (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dallas_Cowboys) (7)</TD><TD>38</TD><TD>San Francisco 49ers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Francisco_49ers)</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>Irving, Texas (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irving%2C_Texas)</TD><TD>Texas Stadium (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_Stadium)</TD></TR><TR class=odd><TD align=middle>1994-95 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NFL_playoffs%2C_1994-95)</TD><TD>San Francisco 49ers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Francisco_49ers) (5)</TD><TD>38</TD><TD>Dallas Cowboys (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dallas_Cowboys)</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>San Francisco (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Francisco)</TD><TD>Candlestick Park (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monster_Park)</TD></TR><TR class=even><TD align=middle>1995-96 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NFL_playoffs%2C_1995-96)</TD><TD>Dallas Cowboys (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dallas_Cowboys) (8)</TD><TD>38</TD><TD>Green Bay Packers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Bay_Packers)</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>Irving, Texas (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irving%2C_Texas)</TD><TD>Texas Stadium (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_Stadium)</TD></TR><TR class=odd><TD align=middle>1996-97 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NFL_playoffs%2C_1996-97)</TD><TD>Green Bay Packers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Bay_Packers) (1)</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>Carolina Panthers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carolina_Panthers)</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>Green Bay, Wisconsin (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Bay%2C_Wisconsin)</TD><TD>Lambeau Field (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lambeau_Field)</TD></TR><TR class=even><TD align=middle>1997-98 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NFL_playoffs%2C_1997-98)</TD><TD>Green Bay Packers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Bay_Packers) (2)</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>San Francisco 49ers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Francisco_49ers)</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>San Francisco (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Francisco)</TD><TD>3Com Park (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monster_Park)</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


So in a 6 year span, The Cowboys had 4 title game appearances, the 49ers 4, the Packers 3, and the Panthers (1) being the only other team to even come close to reaching the superbowl.

This doesn't even include the wildcard or divisional round matchups that i know also occured in there (Desmond Howard running wild on the 49ers at Lambeau springs to mind).

[Schmidty]

Why would a Lions fan hate Brett Farve? That's like getting buggered by two platoons of gorillas, and saying afterward, "Geez that one gorilla who came back for seconds was a real sonofabitch."

In fact, other than Matt Millen, I can't fathom how a Lions fan can hate any individual with any particular vitriol. It's not as if at any point in 16 years Brett Farve was the one man keeping the Lions from winning a championship, right?

I can see why Cowboys fans would hate Bradshaw or Montana, why Browns fans would hate Elway, even why Packers fans would hate Aikman maybe, but Lions fans oughtta just hate the Lions. Or maybe hate the NFL.

I think it's pretty funny how annoyed people get when I tell them that I don't like Favre. It's like I'm insulting their boyfriend or something.

And you're right about the Lions. I do hate them. But I love them, if you know what I mean. Insult them all you want. They deserve it.

And Favre still sucks.

[Radii]

I agree that I wouldn't say Top 5, but definitely an all-time great and first-ballot hall of famer.

As much as hearing it from John Madden late in his career drained my enjoyment of it - It was actually nice to see someone who so clearly enjoyed actually playing, particularly early in his career.

The Brett Favre-Warren Sapp playoff encounters were a lot of fun. And the 3-way Cowboys/49ers/Packers playoff meetings are for me the best stretch fo NFL postseson I've ever personally witnessed. There was like a 5 year span where some combination of those teams met in the conference championship game, and they were all great.

+1 to all of that

[Dr. Sak]

It's okay Schmidty. I know exactly where you are coming from.

[Fonzie]

This news makes me quite sad.

Most accounts of this story are quoting Favre's agent Bus Cook as saying that Favre's decision was influenced by a seemingly lukewarm attitude toward his return from Thompson & McCarthy. They reportedly weren't trying to push him out the door, but they also weren't trying to talk him out of retiring. Here's the quote I found from JSOnline's story:

"It's my opinion," Cook said of the Packers' lack of interest. "I know he wants to play one more year. I do not know much conversation there was (between Favre and the Packers) and I don't think anyone forced him to make that decision. But I don't know that anyone tried to talk him out of it."
--------------

If true it makes me at least understand his decision a bit better. I thought Favre was a lock to return this year, given how well the team performed last year and the dramatically improved receiver corps he has to work with. But if he didn't get the feeling that the team really wanted him back then why go through that pain and drudgery of another NFL season (amplified by being yet another year older)?

[Kodos]

When you've had such QB luminaries like Scott Mitchell and Joey Harrington, it's easy to look down upon a hack like Brett Favre.

[Arles]

That's the "official" version at least...
Looks like Mort is now backing this up:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3276034

In his voice mail message to Mortensen on Tuesday, Favre said the Packers' lack of pursuit of Moss was not the driving reason why he retired.

"This is not about the Packers and who they got or who they didn't get. I get along fine with [Thompson] and I get along great with [McCarthy]. Do I agree with them all the time? No. But the bottom line is, none of that stuff affected my decision," Favre said.

But even if it did play a role, I don't understand how Driver+Jennings+James Jones is bad, but Moss+Driver+Jennings is great. If having a small upgrade of Moss over Driver is all it would take to have him comeback, why is he retiring? I mean, GB had one of the best WR corps in football last season when you look at YAC and drops.

[Arles]

This news makes me quite sad.

Most accounts of this story are quoting Favre's agent Bus Cook as saying that Favre's decision was influenced by a seemingly lukewarm attitude toward his return from Thompson & McCarthy. They reportedly weren't trying to push him out the door, but they also weren't trying to talk him out of retiring. Here's the quote I found from JSOnline's story:

"It's my opinion," Cook said of the Packers' lack of interest. "I know he wants to play one more year. I do not know much conversation there was (between Favre and the Packers) and I don't think anyone forced him to make that decision. But I don't know that anyone tried to talk him out of it."
--------------

If true it makes me at least understand his decision a bit better. I thought Favre was a lock to return this year, given how well the team performed last year and the dramatically improved receiver corps he has to work with. But if he didn't get the feeling that the team really wanted him back then why go through that pain and drudgery of another NFL season (amplified by being yet another year older)?
Again, this doesn't make any sense. Just last week there was an article on JSOnline about Thompson and McCarthy talking with Brett. Here's an exact quote:

McCarthy said recently that he and general manager Ted Thompson sat down during the bye week of the playoffs and evaluated tape of Favre to determine whether he could still play. McCarthy said that they came to the conclusion that he was still able to play the game at a high level.

During the off-season, there were reports that Thompson had not done much to encourage Favre to return and that Favre's feeling was that the Packers weren't fired up about bringing him back. After reports surfaced of Favre's uneasiness about Thompson's lack of communication, Thompson told reporters at the combine that he called Favre to talk about the future.

[Radii]

McCarthy said recently that he and general manager Ted Thompson sat down during the bye week of the playoffs and evaluated tape of Favre to determine whether he could still play.

I find that hilarious.

[Crim]

I think it's pretty funny how annoyed people get when I tell them that I don't like Favre. It's like I'm insulting their boyfriend or something.

And you're right about the Lions. I do hate them. But I love them, if you know what I mean. Insult them all you want. They deserve it.

And Favre still sucks.

Schmidty cracks me up.

[Fonzie]

Again, this doesn't make any sense. Just last week there was an article on JSOnline about Thompson and McCarthy talking with Brett. Here's an exact quote:

I'm really not sure what to make of this myself. But it is at least conceivable that evaluating Favre as performing at a "high level" and "communicating about the future" might not necessarily translate into the message that he was desperately wanted back.

I'm sure there'll be more on this angle, though, and perhaps it'll make more sense (or all go away) once Favre finally talks.

[Arles]

Here's what we know:
1. Both Thompson and McCarthy called Favre to let them know they wanted him back. Even Favre says as much now.
2. GB's primary wide receiving/TE group of Driver, Jennings, James Jones and Donald Lee were tops in the NFL in YAC and one of the best when it comes to fewest drops.

So, Favre's agent is basically saying one of two things -
A. They said they wanted Favre, but didn't try hard enough. His quote is:
I talked to Brett this morning and I told him 'nobody forced you to make this decision to retire, but the flip side is nobody encouraged you to play,'" Cook told Mortensen. "Two years ago, Ted [Thompson, the Packers' GM] encouraged him to play, but there was nothing this time around from them offering encouragement or him to come back.

B. They didn't get Moss, so he retired because their current WR group wasn't good enough. Here's McCarthy on that one:

McCarthy said he and Favre had never discussed bringing in Moss.

"But I can tell you one thing, never once in all my converstaions with Brett this offseason has he ever asked or told me that we had to have Randy Moss for him to come back and play," McCarthy told Mortensen. "Randy Moss' name never came up once. And it bothers me that [Favre's agent] has made this an issue."

Looks to me like Cook is making a mountain out of a molehill to take pressure off Favre on this decision. In the end, Brett made the decision because ""I know I can still play, but it's like I told my wife, I'm just tired mentally. I'm just tired". It doesn't seem to me that GB could have realistically done anything to change that. And, if they did, would they be better off with a "mentally tired" Favre in October and November?

Favre was a great player in Packer history and someone who should be honored today for all he accomplished. But, his agent needs to shut his pie hole and let Brett go out as the hero he was, not make it seem like the Packers didn't stand on one leg long enough while hopping to show they really wanted him back.

[Crim]

Why does Brett Farve's retirement become a farging soap opera every year?

[stevew]

I'm a Favre hater, so this news makes me happy.
Word. Seriously overrated, one Desomond Howard superman show away from going out like Dan Marino.

[Cringer]

So long Favre. There will never be another player like him in my eyes.

Most of my day will be spent here.....

http://www.packers.com/history/brett_favre_tribute/

[Cringer]

-dola

Just told my daughter, who cried a few tears. I expected her to act sad, but that surprised me. Of course she is the girl who wouldn't take off her Favre jersey for over a week a couple months ago....

[st.cronin]

I'm very surprised by this. I thought he would play until either he wasn't good enough to start, or he had a major injury.

I think he is the greatest QB of all time, certainly the best I ever got to watch.

[Kodos]

At least he got to have a very good final season. It would have been a shame for him to have ended on a low note the past couple seasons when they were bad.

[Jas_lov]

At least he got to have a very good final season. It would have been a shame for him to have ended on a low note the past couple seasons when they were bad.

Exactly. This is why I don't think it had anything to do with Randy Moss. He was mentally tired. Why else would he come back after the 4-12 season or the 8-8 season when the team wasn't that good? He wanted to end on a good season and he did that.

[rkmsuf]

Exactly. This is why I don't think it had anything to do with Randy Moss. He was mentally tired. Why else would he come back after the 4-12 season or the 8-8 season when the team wasn't that good? He wanted to end on a good season and he did that.

would have been nice to end on a good pass. or good game for that matter.

[Cringer]

would have been nice to end on a good pass. or good game for that matter.

Very few go out like Elway. He went out with one the best seasons of his career, final pass being an INT or not. In a way it is a fitting end for him, as his first pass in the NFL was an INT returned for a TD as a Falcon.

[Kodos]

would have been nice to end on a good pass. or good game for that matter.

18-1.

[rkmsuf]

18-1.

1-15

[BrianD]

Looks to me like Cook is making a mountain out of a molehill to take pressure off Favre on this decision. In the end, Brett made the decision because ""I know I can still play, but it's like I told my wife, I'm just tired mentally. I'm just tired". It doesn't seem to me that GB could have realistically done anything to change that. And, if they did, would they be better off with a "mentally tired" Favre in October and November?

Favre was a great player in Packer history and someone who should be honored today for all he accomplished. But, his agent needs to shut his pie hole and let Brett go out as the hero he was, not make it seem like the Packers didn't stand on one leg long enough while hopping to show they really wanted him back.

I completely agree with this. Knowing how close he was to retiring the last few seasons, you have to figure that at some point, nothing would keep him in the league. If he has now decided that it is time to go, he should be allowed to leave without all the drama.

At least he got to have a very good final season. It would have been a shame for him to have ended on a low note the past couple seasons when they were bad.

It is funny, but the past few seasons I was really hoping he would retire. He didn't seem to be as good as he was and I worried that he would tarnish his whole career by staying around too long. I also thought he wasn't good enough anymore and should just give over to their future QB. It was very satisfying to see him finish his career on a very good season so he can go out like a hero.

Interesting note for people talking about it being too bad that his last pass went for an interception. I don't remember if it was also his first pass as a Packer, but his first completion as a Packer went to himself. Seems fitting that his last pass went to someone other than his receiving corps.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I think Brett Favre shouldn't be allowed to retire unless his final pass as a Packer is a completion to himself.

Edit: Well, shit, BrianD just beat me to it.

[mckerney]

Why does Brett Farve's retirement become a farging soap opera every year?

Because he's an attention whore.

would have been nice to end on a good pass. or good game for that matter.

I thought ending on an interception in the playoffs was very fitting.

[Butter]

I think Brett Favre shouldn't be allowed to retire unless his final pass as a Packer is a completion to himself.

Edit: Well, shit, BrianD just beat me to it.

NOW YOU'RE REPEATING OTHER PEOPLE, I WISH YOU'D JUST STOP!!!!!

[Passacaglia]

Here's what we know:
1. Both Thompson and McCarthy called Favre to let them know they wanted him back. Even Favre says as much now.
2. GB's primary wide receiving/TE group of Driver, Jennings, James Jones and Donald Lee were tops in the NFL in YAC and one of the best when it comes to fewest drops.

So, Favre's agent is basically saying one of two things -
A. They said they wanted Favre, but didn't try hard enough. His quote is:


B. They didn't get Moss, so he retired because their current WR group wasn't good enough. Here's McCarthy on that one:



Looks to me like Cook is making a mountain out of a molehill to take pressure off Favre on this decision. In the end, Brett made the decision because ""I know I can still play, but it's like I told my wife, I'm just tired mentally. I'm just tired". It doesn't seem to me that GB could have realistically done anything to change that. And, if they did, would they be better off with a "mentally tired" Favre in October and November?

Favre was a great player in Packer history and someone who should be honored today for all he accomplished. But, his agent needs to shut his pie hole and let Brett go out as the hero he was, not make it seem like the Packers didn't stand on one leg long enough while hopping to show they really wanted him back.

Even if what this guy says is true, he's not doing Favre any favors by saying it. It really makes him look like a weenie, when if he just said he felt like he's had 18 or whatever good years, no one would begrudge him for that. Now, if he's saying, "They didn't get me Moss, so I'm out" or "They didn't kiss my ass to get me to come back, so I'm out" then he comes off like a sanctimonious asshole, which makes me glad Cameron Diaz dumped him.

[Thomkal]

Sad to see him go but happy (well other than that last game) he played so well last season, especially when most people, myself included, didn't think he had it in him anymore.

I'm also happy Aaron Rodgers finally gets a chance to play. It must have been pretty hard on him every year listening to all the "will he or won't he retire" talk. At least he has a good team to start out with.

[Cringer]

Nice press conference. First class, not taking any questions about where the team goes from here. They just kept answering with "That is for another day, today is about Favre."

[14ers]

Too bad his last pass was an interception.
Can you think of a better way for The All Time INT Leader to go out?

Favre's INT record will stand forever.

[mckerney]

I'm a Favre hater, so this news makes me happy.

Agreed to some degree, but now I'll need to find another unlikeable QB to enjoy watching throw interceptions in the playoffs.

[Arles]

Can you think of a better way for The All Time INT Leader to go out?

Favre's INT record will stand forever.
As will his consecutive games started. I posted this a while back in a different forum, but I figure today's a good day to remind people:

"Because of the large difference in pass attempts for many QBs, the INT record is a bit misleading (and you can also argue the TD one to a lesser degree). For instance, Blanda now has fewer INTs than Brett, but he threw a pick on 6.9% of his total pass attempts. On the flip side, Brett has thrown one on just every 3.3% of his passes.

So, a better measure is TD vs INT %. I checked the TD and INT % per attempt for some of the best passers of all time (with atleast 8 full seasons as a starter). I ranked them by difference between the two:

Young: 5.5%, 2.6%: +2.9
Manning: 5.6%, 2.8%: +2.8
Montana 5.1%, 2.6%: +2.5
Marino 5.0%, 3.1%: +1.9
Favre 5.0%, 3.3%: +1.7
Dawson 6.3%, 4.9%: +1.4
Jergensen: 5.9%, 4.5%: +1.4
Tarkington 5.3%, 4.1%: +1.2
Kelly 4.9%, 3.7%: +1.2
Elway 4.1%, 3.1%: +1.0
Moon 4.3%, 3.4%: +0.9
Unitas 5.6%, 4.9%: +0.7
Bledsoe 3.7%, 3.1%: +0.6
Aikman 3.5%, 3.0%: +0.5
Fouts: 4.5%, 4.3%: +0.2
Bradshaw 5.4%, 5.4%: 0

So, when it comes to "risk/reward" of some of the top passers of all time, Favre ranks comfortably fifth. For Young, too, you need to understand he had about half the full seasons as a starter that Brett had (and barely made the 8 season cutoff). This doesn't count Brady, who will certainly pass him once he finishes his 8th season."

[mckerney]

As will his consecutive games started.

If he wants that record he needs to come back and play a couple more years. The NFL's true Iron Man still holds that record of 282.

http://64.17.171.58/images/marshal.jpg

[Clark]

YR W L
92 9-7
93 9-7
94 9-7
95 11-5
96 13-3
97 13-3
98 11-5
99 8-8
00 9-7
01 12-4
02 12-4
03 10-6
04 10-6
05 4-12
06 8-8
07 13-3

Pretty damn good. Thanks Brett!

[Arles]

16 years as a starter and one sub-500 season. That's going to be tough to match in the era of free agency.

[Cringer]

I love the NFL Network. It was Favre all day. Earlier they started showing Superbowl XXXI and I got to see the begining of that before I had to stop. Hopefully it will be on again this week now. I loved watching the begining.

[SFL Cat]

I've always felt Favre was a bit overrated, but he was fun to watch, and you could tell the guy was genuinely having the time of his life out on the field.

[Kodos]

People who don't like Favre either got sick of him kicking their team's ass, or they're douchebags.

:)

[mckerney]

People who don't like Favre either got sick of him kicking their team's ass, or they're douchebags.

:)

I'd say the same about people who don't like Tom Brady.

[Cringer]

I'd say the same about people who don't like Tom Brady.

I have no problem with agreeing with that. I love Favre, and would take him over any other QB because I feel he is one of the greatest of all time and my biased opinion makes me put him above all. With that said, Tom Brady is probably the greatest ever when he is done at this rate. I would still take Favre though for said reason.

[st.cronin]

I'd say the same about people who don't like Tom Brady.

There's a long list of active quarterbacks that Dolphins fans can't stand.

[Cringer]

oh, i get the comment now. it went right over my head..... ;)

[lordscarlet]

I've always felt Favre was a bit overrated, but he was fun to watch, and you could tell the guy was genuinely having the time of his life out on the field.

+1

[M GO BLUE!!!]

Favre actually had a reputation of struggling in the Silverdome for a while.

...but so did the Lions

[M GO BLUE!!!]

I always enjoyed watching Favre play. It showed how a team that was horrible could come around and kinda gave hope that one day a team like my Lions might get a clue. One day. One day...

Something I thought of a while back was how Favre was still going, starting all those games and generally playing at a level that was to be envied by most QB's who ever played the game. Just look at how so many of his backups came and went in the league that were good QB's in their own right. Brooks was ok for a minute, Brunell has been done for several years and only Joe Gibbs didn't see it, Hasselbeck isn't too far from being over the hill himself. Yet Favre could still go out there and nobody would bet against him.

It is a sad day when a truly great player hangs 'em up.

(But I wouldn't be surprised to see Rodgers break a leg in the preseason and have #4 get the itch...)

[TLK]

This play still haunts me. My first Lions game ever (I believe we went because it wasn't sold out and wouldn't be on television) and the start of many heartbreaking seasons. I remember wondering why Sterling Sharpe was running down the field uncovered, waving his hands...

<object height="355" width="425">

<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Qbwiuz9utmI" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="355" width="425"></object>

[Cringer]

This play still haunts me. My first Lions game ever (I believe we went because it wasn't sold out and wouldn't be on television) and the start of many heartbreaking seasons. I remember wondering why Sterling Sharpe was running down the field uncovered, waving his hands...

<object height="355" width="425">

<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Qbwiuz9utmI" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="355" width="425"></object>

If only Sterling had been able to stick around in the NFL a little longer.

[Arles]

This play still haunts me. My first Lions game ever (I believe we went because it wasn't sold out and wouldn't be on television) and the start of many heartbreaking seasons. I remember wondering why Sterling Sharpe was running down the field uncovered, waving his hands...

<object height="355" width="425">

<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Qbwiuz9utmI" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="355" width="425"></object>
What's crazy about that throw is that it came out after the game that Favre had a "mild separation" on his non-throwing shoulder earlier in the game. So, he made that throw across his body for 50+ yards in the air with a separated shoulder.

[Honolulu_Blue]

What's crazy about that throw is that it came out after the game that Favre had a "mild separation" on his non-throwing shoulder earlier in the game. So, he made that throw across his body for 50+ yards in the air with a separated shoulder.

I also heard that he wrestled an aligator at halftime and saved a bus full of nuns and orphans from rampaging rhinos right before the game.

The legend continues...

[CU Tiger]

As will his consecutive games started. I posted this a while back in a different forum, but I figure today's a good day to remind people:

"Because of the large difference in pass attempts for many QBs, the INT record is a bit misleading (and you can also argue the TD one to a lesser degree). For instance, Blanda now has fewer INTs than Brett, but he threw a pick on 6.9% of his total pass attempts. On the flip side, Brett has thrown one on just every 3.3% of his passes.

So, a better measure is TD vs INT %. I checked the TD and INT % per attempt for some of the best passers of all time (with atleast 8 full seasons as a starter). I ranked them by difference between the two:

Young: 5.5%, 2.6%: +2.9
Manning: 5.6%, 2.8%: +2.8
Montana 5.1%, 2.6%: +2.5
Marino 5.0%, 3.1%: +1.9
Favre 5.0%, 3.3%: +1.7
Dawson 6.3%, 4.9%: +1.4
Jergensen: 5.9%, 4.5%: +1.4
Tarkington 5.3%, 4.1%: +1.2
Kelly 4.9%, 3.7%: +1.2
Elway 4.1%, 3.1%: +1.0
Moon 4.3%, 3.4%: +0.9
Unitas 5.6%, 4.9%: +0.7
Bledsoe 3.7%, 3.1%: +0.6
Aikman 3.5%, 3.0%: +0.5
Fouts: 4.5%, 4.3%: +0.2
Bradshaw 5.4%, 5.4%: 0

So, when it comes to "risk/reward" of some of the top passers of all time, Favre ranks comfortably fifth. For Young, too, you need to understand he had about half the full seasons as a starter that Brett had (and barely made the 8 season cutoff). This doesn't count Brady, who will certainly pass him once he finishes his 8th season."


the only thing I think you fail to take into account is the style of offense.
Its interesting that Young and montana are both near the top with their WCO that frequently saw passes of 0-5 yards.
Players like Manning, Marino, Favre, Aikman and Kelly (to a lesser extent) lived in vertical downfield passing offenses. Its not hard to avoid Ints when you throw a flare route...

[Cringer]

The retirement of Brett Favre seems to have had a strange effect on me, a great desire to play FOF solo player. I haven't done it in a long time. I figured I would start with the super fabulous files others put out, start in the late 80's I think, and see if I can get Favre on the Packers and replay his career.

[st.cronin]

So what is the over/under on the maximum number of consecutive starts Aaron Rodgers gets? 12?

[Kodos]

I bet he starts 256 games in a row.

[CU Tiger]

I bet he starts 256 games in a row.


Ill lay 250 against 25 on that

[BrianD]

So what is the over/under on the maximum number of consecutive starts Aaron Rodgers gets? 12?

That seems high to me.

[stevew]

Wayne Fonts needs another head coaching job.

[Cringer]

So what is the over/under on the maximum number of consecutive starts Aaron Rodgers gets? 12?

That is the worry for me right now. Not that he can't do the job, but that he can stay healthy to do it.

[Arles]

To be honest, I feel OK with Rodgers, Craig Nall and a 3-5th round pick at QB for this season. Rodgers should be a solid starter and I think Nall has always done well in GB's system when he's played (just 4-5 pro games). I could be swayed for a vet backup, but it has to be a guy like Frerotte or someone willing to sit. The last thing I want is Culpepper or Leftwhich in here acting like they should be the starter in August.

[Cringer]

To be honest, I feel OK with Rodgers, Craig Nall and a 3-5th round pick at QB for this season. Rodgers should be a solid starter and I think Nall has always done well in GB's system when he's played (just 4-5 pro games). I could be swayed for a vet backup, but it has to be a guy like Frerotte or someone willing to sit. The last thing I want is Culpepper or Leftwhich in here acting like they should be the starter in August.

I think Rodgers can be good, he just hasn't been very healthy while on the bench. Nall would need to be resigned, he is currently a FA. Dalton Bell and Jerry Baab (both undrafted FA's) are currently on the roster and who knows if either is good enough to be a #3 yet. I trust McCarthy to figure that out though.

[Arles]

Nall would need to be resigned, he is currently a FA.
Good thing GB has $35 million in available cap space then. I'm sure Nall will be a hot commodity :p If GB wants him back, I think he'll stay.

[Crim]

I bet he starts 256 games in a row.

That seems high to me.

[Fonzie]

That seems high to me.

The number? Or Kodos?

[JimmyWint]

Sounds like they have already contacted Mark Brunell. He would be the Veteran backup, and then perhaps draft a qb in rounds 4-7.

[Cringer]

Good thing GB has $35 million in available cap space then. I'm sure Nall will be a hot commodity :p If GB wants him back, I think he'll stay.

$35 million might be able to cover Nall's salary, he could get expensive though if Tampa decides they want him in their 5 man rotation. :D

[Cringer]

Sounds like they have already contacted Mark Brunell. He would be the Veteran backup, and then perhaps draft a qb in rounds 4-7.

Whoa, I missed this at first. Brunell? Crap, maybe next year they can bring in Ty Detmer then. Aaron Brooks after that, and by then Hasselback should need a job and he can come in. Just something odd trying to take one of Favre's first backup and making him Rodgers' first backup.

[Dr. Sak]

I wonder if Don Majkowski can still play?

[Cringer]

You damn well know he can. The Majik Man will always be able to play......except when those leg injuries happen. Other then that, Don kicks ass. Go mullets!

Oh crap, Rodgers kind of has a mullet. I wonder if Don is behind the scenes training him?

[Kodos]

I think Rodgers can be good, he just hasn't been very healthy while on the bench.


How do you get hurt riding the pine? Butt splinters? Unfortunate clipboard accidents? Poked in the eye by a rogue cheerleader?

[Cringer]

This last season it was a pulled hamstring in practice. He was getting some reps then though because it was right after the Dallas game I think.

[Cringer]

Great press conference going on. I admit I got a little choked up at one point. I may be a big girl, but it happened.

[kurtism]

A different kind of "tribute" to #4 (warning, written by a Vikings fan):

hxxp://kissmesuzy.blogspot.com/2008/03/im-gonna-miss-this-game-but-i-think-ill.html (http://kissmesuzy.blogspot.com/2008/03/im-gonna-miss-this-game-but-i-think-ill.html)

note - nsfw

[Logan]

Great press conference going on. I admit I got a little choked up at one point. I may be a big girl, but it happened.

Are athletes the only people who ever cry when they retire? Any accountants out there shed tears when they left KPMG?

[Cringer]

Are athletes the only people who ever cry when they retire? Any accountants out there shed tears when they left KPMG?

Actually, I had a couple tears when I stopped driving a truck. I didn't full out cry but I had a heavy heart and wet eyes. I love being home, and am having a great time and would not want to go back to driving anytime soon. I do miss it though, and it was hard to leave. It's a major change in lifestyle that is the key factor maybe, and leaving behind something you loved so much and gave everything you had to it, that you gave up parts of your 'normal' life to do.

[miami_fan]

Are athletes the only people who ever cry when they retire? Any accountants out there shed tears when they left KPMG?

I would suggest going to a military retirement ceremony. I have been to 6-8 in the last year. I think maybe one has been tear free.

[Schmidty]

Wayne Fonts needs another head coaching job.

It makes me want to cry that I long for the days of the Big Buck. :(

[Radii]

A different kind of "tribute" to #4 (warning, written by a Vikings fan):

hxxp://kissmesuzy.blogspot.com/2008/03/im-gonna-miss-this-game-but-i-think-ill.html (http://kissmesuzy.blogspot.com/2008/03/im-gonna-miss-this-game-but-i-think-ill.html)

note - nsfw

brilliant.

[cartman]

Here is The Onion's take on Favre's retirement. :D

hxxp://www.theonion.com/content/news/packers_tell_fans_they_gave_favre


Packers Tell Fans They Gave Favre To A Nice Farm Family

GREEN BAY, WI—The Green Bay Packers addressed questions concerning the current status, future plans, and whereabouts of recently retired quarterback Brett Favre by announcing Monday that they had sent him to the country to live on a beautiful farm with a very nice family.

"We know you loved Brett Favre, but he wasn't happy here. He couldn't stay here," Packers general manager Ted Thompson told hundreds of quiet but tear-streaked Packer fans assembled at the televised Lambeau Field press conference. "And he loved you, too—he loved you very much indeed—but he needed to go someplace where he could run and jump and throw his favorite football around. And he couldn't do that here anymore."

"So we took Brett out behind the Don Hutson practice facility last night, and we… Coach McCarthy and I, we… We gave him one last hug, and we said goodbye to him, and Brett went away forever," Thompson said, his voice breaking several times. "Those loud banging noises you heard were probably the truck backfiring. He went to the farm in a truck, you know."

Thompson then unveiled an artist's conception of Favre frolicking in the fields at the lovely farm, which he said was "a very, very nice place where they do not have winters or telephones" and "believe me, absolutely not Favre's farm in Hattiesburg, Mississippi."

"Don't be sad," Packer head coach Mike McCarthy told fans, many of whom began crying audibly, shaking their heads, or turning away at the news. "You should be happy for Brett. He is in a much better place now. He has many of your other favorite Packers, really great Packers like Reggie White and Ray Nitschke and Max McGee, to keep him company. And he even has a coach—Vince Lombardi is on that farm, too."

Although Packers officials gave no specific details of the farm, its location, or the family who will now take care of Favre, Thompson confirmed that it is "far, far away, beyond the football fields we know, in a very happy place where Brett will never be cold or get sacked ever again."

"There are no winters there, and no injuries, and no interceptions, and even though people will play football with Brett all day, they all have so much fun that no one remembers who won or who lost," McCarthy added. "Brett loved Green Bay, and it is a nice place, but this farm is even nicer. It was just time for him to go there."

Although many fans were upset that Favre had to leave to go to the farm even more suddenly than he retired, most seemed to understand that their quarterback was old and tired and needed to rest.

Team officials gently but firmly refused all fan and media requests to visit Favre on the farm.

"Someday we'll all join him there," Thompson added, avoiding the eyes of fans and reporters while seeming to look past them at something far in the distance. "Someday. But not for a long, long time. Right now, just be happy for Brett. Wherever he is now, what he wants most is for you to be happy."

Thompson also confirmed that Favre's jersey was still available from the Packer Pro Shop and that as long as Favre had gone to the farm, the $1.6 million outstanding on Favre's contract would not count towards the salary cap and be returned to the team.

[Cringer]

Started out pretty funny. I kept waiting for another good joke at the end but nothing....

[BrianD]

How many people do you think eagerly jumped at this thread when bumped hoping/fearing that they were going to see news that he changed his mind about retiring?

[Cringer]

I am guessing you Brian. ;)

I am sure he is gone for good so I was thinking it was Rodgers related or something.....

[st.cronin]

How many people do you think eagerly jumped at this thread when bumped hoping/fearing that they were going to see news that he changed his mind about retiring?

/raises hand

[Cringer]

So the Packers have decided to retire Brett Favre's jersey.........during the season opener on September 8th. I am guessing Favre will be there, but I thought they would do it later in the season to make sure he would be there.

So, uh, Aaron Rodgers, in your first start replacing the latest legend of Green Bay the Packers have made sure he is sitting there watching. Rodgers is a easy going guy so I am sure it isn't a big deal to him, but it's still kind of funny to me they did this.

[Ksyrup]

They probably did it to make it harder for Favre to think about coming back. If they could, I'm sure they'd petition the NFL to put him in the HoF immediately, like Gretzky.

[Horizon]

To be honest, I feel OK with Rodgers, Rodgers should be a solid starter
Based on what? I think Rodgers is going to be a good starter, but he has ZERO experience at being a teams #1 QB on the depth chart. Shouldn't the PAckers at least ask Rodgers to earn the starting job?

Greenbay is a good young team and deserves a #1 QB that either has experience, or wins the job in camp. Nobody here knows what Rodgers is going to do once the season starts and is the teams #1 QB.


GB needs to bring in a veteran QB, just in case Rodgers can not handle the pressure of being a teams #1. There is a huge difference between starting as a teams backup QB and actually being listed #1 on the depth chart.

[Ksyrup]

Source: Favre has 'itch' to ditch retirement, report to camp

By Chris Mortensen
ESPN.com

With his family "tugging" on him to play, Brett Favre (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=1025) has an "itch" to come out of retirement and report to training camp with the Green Bay Packers (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=gnb) later this month, according to sources close to the team and player.

Favre has communicated his potential desire to coach Mike McCarthy but talks have not advanced to a substantive stage, a Packers source said.

The source said the Packers would be reluctant to open the door for Favre because "Brett retired for the right reasons, even though I know his family is tugging on him [to play]."

Another source conceded Favre was "getting the itch" to play football in 2008.

However, Favre's agent downplayed the likelihood that the quarterback could un-retire or that he was prepared to report to camp July 28.

"As far as I know, right now, Brett Favre is retired and until he tells me something different, that's what it is," James "Bus" Cook, Favre's agent, said.

Favre was unavailable for comment. A Packers spokesman said that McCarthy and general manager Ted Thompson were on vacation.

Favre has two years remaining on his contract at an average of about $12.5 million per season. His salary is not currently counting toward the salary cap because the Packers placed him on the reserve-retired list.

If Favre decides that he absolutely wants to play this season, the Packers could be confronted with a sensitive issue. The entire offseason has been spent preparing Aaron Rodgers (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7200) to play quarterback to the point where "the offensive scheme has evolved" and, psychologically, closing the door on Favre's legendary 17-year career.

If the Packers resist a stronger push by Favre to return, sources speculate that the quarterback could press the team to release him from his contract so that he could seek a job with another team. A league official said that Favre could force a decision by asking the Packers, in writing, to reinstate him to active status. The team would have to comply or release him.

"That's speculation and I wouldn't go there," a team source said. "We value Brett's legacy, we think he values it, and we'd want to protect that. Brett's a high-quality person and he's not going to push it that far. He'll do the right thing [and stay retired]. This was almost predictable, the idea that Brett would get the itch to play as we get closer to the season."

In an interview done with ESPN around the time Favre retired in early March, McCarthy predicted Favre "will have an itch to come back. I saw Joe Montana go through it, even though I was a younger coach in Kansas City at the time."

McCarthy said it was Favre who convinced the coach that retirement was the "right thing to do."

"I tried to talk him out of retirement," McCarthy said back in March. "Tom Clements [Green Bay's quarterbacks coach] and I were trying to sell him on the concept that he could still play at a high level with 80-to-85 percent of the commitment he had last year. Brett thought that maybe he could do it but he reasoned that when you cut back the commitment, you open yourself up to injury, to not being on top of your game -- which was very important to Brett -- and letting the team down in the process.

"Really, what Brett did was very honorable because the stress and pressure he feels is a direct result of the standard he sets for himself."

Chris Mortensen covers the NFL for ESPN.

[MikeVic]

Yeah, go Favre lol.

[Kodos]

I'm probably in the minority here, but if he wants to come back, by all means let him, whether in GB or wherever.

[Passacaglia]

I'm probably in the minority here, but if he wants to come back, by all means let him, whether in GB or wherever.

That's probably what will happen, if he wants to come back.

[PackerFanatic]

Damn, beat me to it.

I am a huge Packer fan (obviously) and have grown up loving Favre...but really, Brett? REALLY? You went out on your own terms and for good reasons - and you will just throw that away and start toying with the fans and more importantly, the team? This is starting to get old fast...

[PackerFanatic]

And I will be interested to hear how this all plays anyway, since it was just a "source" that said it.

[Ksyrup]

If I was in GB's front office, I'd grant him his release (or maybe try to get something of value for him from another team) and let him go. They need to move on, even if he can't/won't. Honestly, I'll think less of him if he does come back. You make a decision, people rely on that to make other plans, you stick with it.

[Ksyrup]

And I will be interested to hear how this all plays anyway, since it was just a "source" that said it.

Actually, it's multiple sources, from within the team and from close to him.

[PackerFanatic]

If I was in GB's front office, I'd grant him his release (or maybe try to get something of value for him from another team) and let him go. They need to move on, even if he can't/won't. Honestly, I'll think less of him if he does come back. You make a decision, people rely on that to make other plans, you stick with it.

Exactly.

Although it would be weird as hell (and a little disheartening) if he played somewhere else...especially since there are two teams right off the top of my head that I can think of that need a QB that I would NOT want to see him play for at all (CHI and MIN)

[Jas_lov]

Yeah, the Packers are in a tough spot with this if it's true. They can't really tell Favre to go away because he's a legend. But for the past few months the team has been preparing as if Aaron Rodgers would take over and he's ready. I'm sure Rodgers is already sick of all of the Favre questions and now it's just going to get worse.

[molson]

What a distraction. Even if Favre stays away, the fans are going to start calling for hin to step in as soon as Rodgers strugges.

The Packers definitely need to be as public as possible, "Rodgers is our QB".

[PackerFanatic]

What a distraction. Even if Favre stays away, the fans are going to start calilng for hin to step in as soon as Rodgers strugges.

The Packers definitely need to be as public as possible, "Rodgers is our QB".

Agreed. And that is the mindsight I have, but not many others do.

[Honolulu_Blue]

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e151/bob260505/favre-1.jpg

[Axxon]

That's probably what will happen, if he wants to come back.

Great, let him unretire along with his buddies Warren Sapp and Michael Strahan and let all three sign with Tampa Bay for a one year final fling tour. Tampa doesn't have a young qb anyway and besides Gaines Adams, the rest of the DLine is replaceable. What could it hurt? :D

[Zelig]

Chris Simms says Tampa is bad for QB's.

[Karlifornia]

Favre is just coming back so he can disprove the madden curse

[Axxon]

Chris Simms says Tampa is bad for QB's.

Only bad for their spleens.

[mckerney]

:rolleyes:

[mauchow]

Favre says just a rumor.

[Passacaglia]

Favre fudged his retirement statement.

[spleen1015]

Only bad for their spleens.

I've never been to Tampa.

[Galaxy]

Favre fudged his retirement statement.

He called Sam Madison?

[Anthony]

what would the big deal be? if he wants to come back they just release him and let him go to some other team. make it clear Aaron Rogers is their guy. i don't think if you were the GM you'd want to be forever known as the guy who refused to let Favre play when he was willing to come back.

[M GO BLUE!!!]

If Favre does come back and GB does the best thing by letting him go...

Minnesota?

Oakland?

Baltimore?

Atlanta?

Carolina?

These are the only five teams I see as having a possibility. The Vikings would give Favre an immediate shot at getting back to the playoffs, but it would be too weird with him in the same division. Imagine Favre in purple knocking the Pack out of the playoffs. The Raiders could really use a veteran in there to allow Russell time to grow, and Al has a thing for Hall of Fame players who should be watching TV on Sunday afternoons. Baltimore would give Brett a place to play for a year and not interfere with GB, although they have a killer schedule. Atlanta & Carolina are both in the south andare completely different. Atlanta would allow Favre to return to the team that drafted him and play a year with a team looking for direction. Ryan could sit and learn. Carolina is saying all the right things about Delhomme, but he is still a big question mark, and Favre could mean the difference between a respectable team and a top five pick.

[Anthony]

Baltimore and Atlanta would seem to be the most likely. Minny and Chicago are out of the question. no way he comes back only to go to a division rival.


but he's not coming back. i think the unofficial stance by GB front office is "we're not going to think too much about this because hopefully Brett doesn't put us in this awkward position...hint, hint Brett - stay retired".

[mckerney]

If Favre does come back and GB does the best thing by letting him go...

Minnesota?

Please no.

[Jas_lov]

WTMJ-TV in Milwaukee reported Monday that Favre sent a text message to Thompson on Saturday. The station reported that Thompson’s reply to Favre was that he was on vacation, and the two would have to talk later. I also saw on ESPN that Favre's agent Bus Cook will file the papers within 10 days for Favre's return.

If he does come back, it will be with the Packers. Green Bay won't happily release him and let him go to Minnesota. He's not going to Chicago because they suck and I doubt Favre would accept a trade to a lesser team where he'd have a tough time getting to the superbowl. Once it gets out that Favre is back, Thompson will have to welcome him back.

[TroyF]

Please no.


OK, ummm, why not? Minnesota has all of the makings of a championship team with one major league exception. QB. You really mean to tell me that getting a QB who had a 95.7 rating last year and threw the ball for over 4,000 yards would not be a major upgrade from Tarvarius Jackson or Gus Ferrote?

Chicago and Minnesota are both hoping the Packers dump Favre. They'd each take him in a tenth of a second. Favre has put the Packers in a tough situation. Not exactly a classy thing to do, but it's done. The Packers have a tough decision to make. I can assure you they don't want him walking onto the field in Viking purple on opening night.

[PackerFanatic]

Sure, CHI and MIN would love GB to drop Favre and would love to snap him up. But the Packers would be absolutely stupid to release him. If they do decide to go on without him, they will do whatever they can to trade him OUT of the division. Pretty sure Thompson would be lynched on the spot the second CHI or MIN picked up Favre.

[Ksyrup]

Best case scenario for the Packers is being able to move him to a non-rival team at this point. If they really hope Aaron Rogers is the future, they can't piss on him (even if it's solely Favre's fault) and expect him to stay loyal to the organization. I think Favre would be willing to agree to stay away from the Bears/Vikings in exchange for being released.

What a shitty thing to do. I understand he has every right to do it, but he's fucking up his team's future and putting a damper on his ride into the sunset. At this point, it just comes off as massively selfish.

[PackerFanatic]

What a shitty thing to do. I understand he has every right to do it, but he's fucking up his team's future and putting a damper on his ride into the sunset. At this point, it just comes off as massively selfish.

Even as a huge Packer fan and a huge fan of Favre himself, I have no choice but to agree with this.

[gkb]

He's definitely put Green Bay in a tough spot. I enjoy watching him play so I hope he does return. It'd be interesting to see him playing for the Vikings, but I'd rather see him with the Packers.

[ISiddiqui]

What a shitty thing to do. I understand he has every right to do it, but he's fucking up his team's future and putting a damper on his ride into the sunset. At this point, it just comes off as massively selfish.

Yep. Saying he was done, having the Packers plan for Rodgers as QB and draft a QB in the 2nd round to battle with Rodgers... and then Favre says... hmm, maybe I'll be back? I think Favre is an awesome player, but this is just assholishness.

[Cap Ologist]

Somewhere Madden is looking for Kleenex and heading to the bathroom.

[Anthony]

how is he an asshole? in fact, if anything this helps the Packers. they got nothing in return for him when he retired. now that he may come back they can reinstate him and trade him, and if there are teams that would pay to have Vinny Testeverde as their starting QB then surely there are teams that would love to have a HOF QB fresh off a season in which he took his team to the NFC Championship game.

how is this bad for the Packers? getting something in return is better than getting nothing. Favre's gotta be worth a 3rd round pick, *maybe* a 2nd rounder based on certain criteria being met.

[Sun Tzu]

Favre unretires, and DB's across the league rejoice...more picks!

[rkmsuf]

it's bad for the packers in the sense that if they trade him half of the green bay yahoos will be upset. if they don't the other half will. not to mention that farve looks like a giant doofus.

if they get a 2nd or 3rd round pick the team giving up the pick should be contracted

make up your mind shithead. what's next you get to game 8 and are "worn down"?

[ISiddiqui]

Because the Pack are between a rock and a hard place. How can you trade the face of your franchise and most popular player? But how can you jerk around your QB of the future in this way?

[Sun Tzu]

Not to compare Favre to Joe Montana because Favre couldn't hold Joe Cool's jockstrap...but the Niners traded Joe to the Chiefs and got some pretty good players from the picks they got for him, mainly because they already had Steve Young. Young was quite a bit more established than Aaron "1 game" Rogers is though.

[molson]

The Packers have been dealing with this stuff since around 2005. How hard is it for a grown man to make a decision? The guy's either extremely inmmature, unstable, or has some financial issues.

[rkmsuf]

The Packers have been dealing with this stuff since around 2005. How hard is it for a grown man to make a decision? The guy's either extremely inmmature, unstable, or has some financial issues.

Immature and unstable definately. Perfect leader for your team.

[ISiddiqui]

or has some financial issues.

Who knew Alligator Farm futures were about to burst?!

[Honolulu_Blue]

I'd like to see him come back and get traded. It'd be a fun stroy to watch unfold.

[Kodos]

Immature and unstable definately. Perfect leader for your team.

I think you just don't like QB's not named Brady.

[Honolulu_Blue]

If the Packers do trade Favre, do they still retire his jersey on opening night?

[rkmsuf]

I think you just don't like QB's not named Brady.

Not true. I liked Cleo Lemon, Trent Green and John Beck quarterbacking the Dolphins.

[Kodos]

And I love Matt Cassel! I hope to see him a lot this season. :)

[LloydLungs]

The Packers have been dealing with this stuff since around 2005. How hard is it for a grown man to make a decision? The guy's either extremely inmmature, unstable, or has some financial issues.

He's a classic narcissistic attention whore. That probably falls under immature, though.

[molson]

Any chance Favre has trouble getting a job? Every team has to know they're inheriting 2-3 years of distractions and flakiness (and interceptions)

[Anthony]

any team that employs Tavaris Jackson, Chad Pennington or Rex Grossman is in need of Favre and isn't in a position to turn down his services.

[TroyF]

Please no.

Because the Pack are between a rock and a hard place.

Let's look at some scenarios here.

1) Packers tell Favre, thanks, but no thanks. First 7 games of next season: Vikings, @Lions, Cowboys, @Buccs, Falcons, @Seahawks, Colts.

It's not all that big of a stretch to say the Packers could lose 3 of the first 4 home games of the Aaron Rogers era. I understand all of these decisions are long term, but imagine being the Packers GM in this spot. How do you explain to your fan base that you have the same team that went to the NFC championship game with 3 losses on the year and have that many losses at home in the first half of the season the next?

2) Favre goes someplace else. I don't think it's ridiculous to assume that whichever team gets Favre will instantly be better. The Vikings would turn into Super Bowl contenders in a second. Imagine if the Packers are sucking and the team Favre goes to is 5-2 or 6-1 at this point?

----------------------------------------------------------

What it boils down to is pretty simple, really. Do the Packers think Aaron Rodgers really has a chance to be a great QB. I don't mean an average QB. I mean a GREAT QB. They have Brian Brohm and Matt Flynn on the roster as well. If you think Rodgers could be decent, but not great, you take Favre back in a second and ship him off. Brohm can wait a year or two.

If you think Rodgers is going to be the man, you take the publicity hit and let Favre go. Just be prepared for a tough year.

Only thing I don't agree with in this thread is that GB could reach an agreement with Favre to not sign with the Vikings or Bears. If the Packers don't want him, he's going to be pissed. Don't think for a second he won't try to take it out on them. Also, as far as trading him goes, it's a bit easier said than done. The other team has to have the cap room, believe Favre will get them a title in one year and have an open QB position. Favre could also threaten to hold out if he doesn't like the team he's getting traded to.

Bottom line, GB has to understand Favre holds the cards here. He chooses to come back, they either have to take him back or release the legend. If they go the release route, I don't think it ends well for them in the short term. Long term? We'll have to wait and see.

[miami_fan]

I thought I heard that the Packers would have 24 hours to either trade or release Favre. Is that true?

[molson]

I thought I heard that the Packers would have 24 hours to either trade or release Favre. Is that true?

24 hours from when?

I don't quite understand the contract issues involved either - but the Packers control him at least through this year, correct? If so, I can't see that he ends up with either the Vikings or Bears. Is there another situation that makes sense?

[mckerney]

OK, ummm, why not? Minnesota has all of the makings of a championship team with one major league exception. QB. You really mean to tell me that getting a QB who had a 95.7 rating last year and threw the ball for over 4,000 yards would not be a major upgrade from Tarvarius Jackson or Gus Ferrote?

Chicago and Minnesota are both hoping the Packers dump Favre. They'd each take him in a tenth of a second. Favre has put the Packers in a tough situation. Not exactly a classy thing to do, but it's done. The Packers have a tough decision to make. I can assure you they don't want him walking onto the field in Viking purple on opening night.

Because there's no way I want one of the biggest douche bags in sports on the Vikings.

[Ksyrup]

I thought I heard that the Packers would have 24 hours to either trade or release Favre. Is that true?

I don't understand why that would be true. It can't be just that he retired, because then wouldn't every player who wants a new contract "retire" instead of holding out? I don't see how this situation, in a vaccuum, is any different than a hold out situation.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Because there's no way I want one of the biggest douche bags in sports on the Vikings.

"We first laid eyes on you on an autumn Sunday. You, the little boy from Dixie. Drawing up plays in the Mississippi mud. Never growing old. All these years later, you remain as genuine as you were that day. You are our's, because you've stood by us. Not only in triumph, but more importantly, in times of despair. Celebrating timeless victories and honoring those tragically lost. As the years passed, the doubters increase in volume. He's too old. He's lost a step. It's time to go. Pay them no attention. For we are survivors. Legends write their own stories. My Brett. Our Favre."

[Honolulu_Blue]

I'd take Favre over Kitna, though if Favre was willing to play for the Lions, then he has more issues than I thought.

[miami_fan]

24 hours from when?

I don't quite understand the contract issues involved either - but the Packers control him at least through this year, correct? If so, I can't see that he ends up with either the Vikings or Bears. Is there another situation that makes sense?

My understanding was that once he officially unretires, he is on the Packers roster. At that point, they have 24 hours to either trade him or release him. My assumption was that was based on contract (cap?) issues.

[molson]

I don't understand why that would be true. It can't be just that he retired, because then wouldn't every player who wants a new contract "retire" instead of holding out? I don't see how this situation, in a vaccuum, is any different than a hold out situation.

Right, they could just keep him and offer him the backup job if they wanted, knowing that would keep him retired.

I question if Favre really has all the cards here. If he wants to play, and the Packers don't want him to start, could anyone really blame them for not releasing him to play for a division rival?

[Eaglesfan27]

My understanding was that once he officially unretires, he is on the Packers roster. At that point, they have 24 hours to either trade him or release him. My assumption was that was based on contract (cap?) issues.


That was my understanding from something I read as well. They either accept him back and take his cap number back or release him.

[molson]

My understanding was that once he officially unretires, he is on the Packers roster. At that point, they have 24 hours to either trade him or release him. My assumption was that was based on contract (cap?) issues.

So they couldn't just keep him? That would change the dynamics of this decision, but I can't imagine it's true. And if they can keep him, they can definitely trade or release him later, can't they? I don't see why there would be a deadline.

[rkmsuf]

Please find a way to trade him to the Dolphins. Then we'll see how much he wants to play.

[Eaglesfan27]

So they couldn't just keep him? That would change the dynamics of this decision, but I can't imagine it's true. And if they can keep him, they can definitely trade or release him later, can't they? I don't see why there would be a deadline.

They can release him later, but I *think* there are different cap rules/ramifications if they release him right after he un-retires as opposed to down the road. At least, that is how the article I was reading made it sound (trying to find the article now.)

[Logan]

The Packers are something like $30 million under the cap. They might need to release him before his contract is officially placed on the cap, but as long as they can afford it, that shouldn't happen.

[molson]

They can release him later, but I *think* there are different cap rules/ramifications if they release him right after he un-retires as opposed to down the road. At least, that is how the article I was reading made it sound (trying to find the article now.)

That makes sense - there's probably a provision for "protecting" yourself from players that suddenly unretire from screwing up your cap - you can get rid of them quickly without any significant ramifications.

Depending on the Packer's cap situation then, the 24-hour deadline isn't necessarily binding.

[rkmsuf]

I hope the Packers resign Najeh Davenport to shit in Farve's locker everyday.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I hope the Packers resign Najeh Davenport to shit in Farve's locker everyday.

Or they could just trade Favre to the Lions. Six of one, half dozen of the other.

[Butter]

LOLOL @ Everyone who bought his retirement news conference.

[gstelmack]

Yeah, but imagine what happens the first time Rodgers throws an INT.

Then he'll have a good start on following Favre's career arc...

:popcorn:

[Logan]

I'm at the point where I'm dangerously close to wishing bad things upon him. The weeks before, during, and after his retirement were fucking terrible, as you couldn't turn on a station or read anything that didn't mention this prick. The thought of having to go through this all again is revolting.

[molson]

Yeah, but imagine what happens the first time Rodgers throws an INT.

Because of Favre's selfishness, that will be a huge problem no matter what happens now (except I guess if they let him start). Maybe Rodgers should go after his knee with a metal pipe.

As a non-Packer fan though, I think I agree with Honolulu_Blue, I kind of hope this resolves in the most chaotic way possible, just for the entertainment value.

[mckerney]

I'm at the point where I'm dangerously close to wishing bad things upon him. The weeks before, during, and after his retirement were fucking terrible, as you couldn't turn on a station or read anything that didn't mention this prick. The thought of having to go through this all again is revolting.

Coverage of a 'comeback' will probably be even worse, even though he's not really coming back from anything.

[rkmsuf]

If the hall of fame had any sense of humor at all they'd elect him for enshrinement and the day of the ceremony announce that they have changed their mind and he's actually not in the hall of fame.

[TroyF]

Right, they could just keep him and offer him the backup job if they wanted, knowing that would keep him retired.

I question if Favre really has all the cards here. If he wants to play, and the Packers don't want him to start, could anyone really blame them for not releasing him to play for a division rival?

You don't know your PR very well, do you? The media would crucify the Packers. Not to mention the fact that Rodgers will have enough to deal with considering the opening games on the schedule. How comfy would he feel to see #4 sitting on the sidelines?

Favre holds all the cards here. The Packers know it. He knows it. Having him on the roster without being a starting QB would be professional suicide for both coach and GM. Paying him 12 million to sit on the bench? That isn't going to happen either. Let's face this guys, Favre is either going to be the Packers starter or he's going to play whereever the hell he damned well pleases. I'm not saying it's fair or right. I'm saying it's reality.

I'm entirely mixed on all of this. Favre is being a jerk by putting the Packers in this situation. On the other hand, he has earned the right to retire for good whenever he wants to do it. If he went back home and decided he really wanted to play again, who the hell am I to tell him he can't do it? It's not like we are talking about a guy who sucked up the league last year. You are talking about a QB who made the pro bowl, threw for over 4,000 yards, helped the team get to the NFC Championship game and was sacked 15 times in 16 games. (one sack for every 36 pass attempts, Rodgers will be sacked double that amount, if not triple his first year)

At the end of the day, all you have is the reality. Reality is that Favre is getting his way. He's either starting for the Packers. . . or he's going to the highest bidder. The Packers GM already knows this. The fans will know it soon enough.

[gstelmack]

Justice would be him coming back, starting for the Packers, and reverting to his form from 2-3 years ago, causing him to get benched in favor of Rodgers...

[Eaglesfan27]

Good post, Troy. As usual, I agree with you completely. Favre deserves the right to come back if he wants to. I can only imagine how hard it is to leave a job a person loves at such a young age to never do it again, not to mention all of the peripheral things such as the fame and adulation that athletes receive. Everything else you said is right on the money. Favre has all of the power in this situation.

[molson]

You don't know your PR very well, do you? The media would crucify the Packers.
.

I have no idea what the scene is like in Wisconsin but I think the latest news has pushed the national media closer to the "Farve is a jerk" consensus that you see in this thread.

Favre isn't that beloved that the people will go along with whatever he does here. Most have turned on him already.

The issue to me isn't that Favre has the "right" to come back - he can play until he's 60 if somebody wants to pay him to. I'm sure it's hard to retire from what you love so young. He couldn't have thought about the previous 2-3 times he retired? It's an enormous burden on the team that has employeed him for so long, and 99% of other star athletes have managed to leave the game with more class.

[TroyF]

I have no idea what the scene is like in Wisconsin but I think the latest news has pushed the national media closer to the "Farve is a jerk" consensus that you see in this thread.

Favre isn't that beloved that the people will go along with whatever he does here. Most have turned on him already.

The issue to me isn't that Favre has the "right" to come back - he can play until he's 60 if somebody wants to pay him to. I'm sure it's hard to retire from what you love so young. He couldn't have thought about the previous 2-3 times he retired? It's an enormous burden on the team that has employeed him for so long, and 99% of other star athletes have managed to leave the game with more class.


I'm not disagreeing with you on the last paragraph.

On the first? Please. Spare me the drivel. He's a superstar. He's getting the benefit of the doubt. If the Packers let him go to the Vikings and the Vikings beat the Packers on opening Monday night, nobody will give a damn about what he did in July. (ok, the Packers fans will, and some people who hate him or the Vikings. . . but the majority of the country? Please. . . )

There is only one single way the Packers will come out ahead by dumping Favre. That's if Rodgers plays like an absolute stud and the Packers have a terrific regular season.

My guess is the Packers will take the easy way out on this and let him come back. If he comes back and they suck, they can blame it on him. They may even get an EXTRA year to get over the Favre mess. If they let him go and Rodgers isn't quite ready while Favre is leading his new team to the playoffs, the GM and coach are in trouble.

Again, Brett holds the cards here. Anybody thinking otherwise is in a dreamland.

[Jas_lov]

I agree Troy! If Favre comes back he's starting for the Packers and they have to take him. They're a top 3 NFC team with him and Favre had maybe his best year last season since the 2 superbowl years. Once the season starts Packers fans who are upset will forget and rally behind him like always.

Do you think Rogers would gladly sit out another year or would he ask to be traded to a team not within the division where he can compete for a starter's job? His contract runs through the '09 season and they drafted Brohm in the 2nd round last year so maybe he becomes the new heir apparent.

[molson]

On the first? Please. Spare me the drivel. He's a superstar. He's getting the benefit of the doubt. If the Packers let him go to the Vikings and the Vikings beat the Packers on opening Monday night, nobody will give a damn about what he did in July. (ok, the Packers fans will, and some people who hate him or the Vikings. . . but the majority of the country? Please. . . )

But that was the point of my first point you responded to - why should the Packers let him go to the Vikings? Public pressure? I don't buy it. Tom Brady could decide tomorrow he wants to play for the Dolphins but it would never happen as long as he's under contract with the Patriots. Perhaps Barry Sanders would have played longer if he were simply allowed to walk to another team.

The Packers could either bring him back as a starter, trade him to a non-rival, or allow him to negotiate with a non-rival and let him out of his contract if he makes a deal. The media wouldn't "crucify" them if they refused to trade him to the Vikings or release him outright. If they do that under some kind of media pressure they're a joke.

What's the downside for the Packers if they stick to their guns? It's not as bad as the downside if he comes back and beats them as a Viking.

Or maybe the Packers are ballsy enough that they figure Favre in their division at this point in his career means two guaranteed wins a year ('ala Bellichick trading Bledsoe to the Bills)

[Zelig]

Please come back Favre. You make football threads go BOOM.

[CU Tiger]

I heard earlier that he had a 7.5 million roster bonus effective July 1.
If he unretires and is on the roster 24 hours later the Pack owes him 7.5 million even if he later retired this same offseason.

in fact they were speculating the whole thing may be a cash grab...

[TroyF]

But that was the point of my first point you responded to - why should the Packers let him go to the Vikings? Public pressure? I don't buy it. Tom Brady could decide tomorrow he wants to play for the Dolphins but it would never happen as long as he's under contract with the Patriots. Perhaps Barry Sanders would have played longer if he were simply allowed to walk to another team.

The Packers could either bring him back as a starter, trade him to a non-rival, or allow him to negotiate with a non-rival and let him out of his contract if he makes a deal. The media wouldn't "crucify" them if they refused to trade him to the Vikings or release him outright. If they do that under some kind of media pressure they're a joke.

What's the downside for the Packers if they stick to their guns? It's not as bad as the downside if he comes back and beats them as a Viking.

Or maybe the Packers are ballsy enough that they figure Favre in their division at this point in his career means two guaranteed wins a year ('ala Bellichick trading Bledsoe to the Bills)

Big difference here between Brady and Favre. The Patriots (nor the Lions with Barry) had "moved on" from those players. (or would have moved on in the Pats case) If Barry would have come back, he'd have been the starter, no questions asked. In other words, they were both assets. This IS NOT a hold out. It's the opposite. It's a player coming back to a team that wishes he'd stay away. Favre WANTS to start for the Packers, he doesn't want to go away.

What does that make Favre if you bring him back and he's sitting on your roster but not starting? A distraction. A gigantic distraction. A monumental distraction. First INT Rodgers throws? The crowd starts chanting FAVRE, FAVRE, FAVRE. How does that make Rodgers feel? It's not IF Rodgers struggles. He's a young NFL QB about to start his first season. He's GOING to have some struggles.

Favre isn't Bledsoe. He's a hall of fame QB coming off of a pro bowl season. This isn't some injury prone, immobal QB. And the Vikings aren't the Bills. They have a great RB. A rock solid D-Line. A solid O-Line. They really only lack a legitimate QB from being the Super Bowl favorites (along with Dallas) in the NFC. (the Packers fit that mold too)

You aren't going to bring Brett Favre back, pay him about 12 million next year and sit him on the bench. It is NOT happening. Good luck trading him where he doesn't want to go. A simple, "I'm not really interestes in playing for them" is going to be good enough to scare off any team.

If the Packers held their ground, it'd be both gutsy and extraordinary. Your goal is to win. That means you put the players out there who give you the best chance to do that. To keep a hall of fame QB on the sidelines who had a great year last season (even for a game, much less 16) while you have an unproven starter taking snaps? If the Packers went 8-8, both the GM and the coach would be fired. It's just not going to happen.

So this comes back to the same thing. Either he's starting for the Packers or he's starting for the team he wants to start for not named the Packers. I don't think they have the guts to do any of that. They are going to take him back and he'll be the starter. Then they'll wait until the offseason and ship either Rodgers or Brohm to someone else.

[BrianD]

There are already a few billboards in the Green Bay area requesting Ted let Farve back on the team. I haven't been following the local news, but it seems that the city has already decided they want him back...which isn't terribly surprising.

[mauchow]

A few fans I know don't want him to come back for all the reasons already stated. I don't care if he comes back as a Vikings fan. It's always fun to watch Favre. Hopefully the Vikings can get the best of him next season, which I'm sure they will.

[Arles]

As long as the situation is resolved in next few weeks, I really don't have a problem with the likely outcomes:

1. Favre wants to come back and is the starter. As much as I like the potential of Rodgers, Favre is a better QB right now. So, this gives GB the highest chance to win in 2008. And, if Rodgers gets pissed and wants out, they have a comparable option in Brian Brohm to go to. Probability: 47%

2. Favre decides not to come back and just wanted his ego stroked by ESPN, John Madden and other news outlets. Hey, no skin off GB's back. They've been preparing for Rodgers to be starter all summer and will be OK with him (as long as Aaron stays healthy ;) ). Probability: 43%

3. GB trades Favre to an AFC team like KC, Jets or Baltimore. They probably get a 3rd or 4th pick at best, and he gets to pull a Joe Montana and try to win on another team. Doesn't really impact GB other than some complainers if he does real well and GB struggles, but those complainers would have been there anyway if GB struggled. Probably: 10%

I just don't see how any of these three put GB is a much worse situation than they were back in June. Either they are the same they were before (#2), have a slightly better QB this year and comparable QB in Brohm for the future if Rodgers is pissed (#1) or end up just like before - except with an extra draft pick (#3).

[Shkspr]

Reality of the situation is this: the Madden curse is working its voodoo to get Favre to come back so that he can blow out a knee in the third preseason game.

[Mustang]

Reality of the situation is this: the Madden curse is working its voodoo to get Favre to come back so that he can blow out a knee in the third preseason game.

That would be Ted Thompson's best outcome. He can go with Rodgers, Favre is done and he didn't have to trade or cut him.

[rkmsuf]

That would be Ted Thompson's best outcome. He can go with Rodgers, Favre is done and he didn't have to trade or cut him.

SWEEP THE LEG!!!!

[Kodos]

Actually, Ted Thompson's best outcome is Favre leads them to a championship (over the Patriots again) and rides into the sunset Elway-style.

[Shkspr]

SWEEP THE LEG!!!!

Why, yes, the Packers will in fact be facing the Broncos in the third preseason game. But Favre won't be playing against Denver's O-line.

[Ksyrup]

Let the barrage of PR from the Pack begin, in anticipation of the likely scenario that Favre's agent sends an official request to remove him from the retired list:


Current team president and CEO Mark Murphy and chairman emeritus Bob Harlan, appearing at a charity auction in Fond Du Lac, Wisc., as part of the team's "Tailgate Tour" through the state, said they took Favre at his word when he said in March that he was done with professional football.

"I keep going back to his retirement announcement and how sincere and heartfelt that was," Murphy said, according to the report. "I think it's pretty reasonable that, as an organization, we're going to move on."

"What I remember about him is he was ready to retire, and that's how I feel today,” Harlan added, according to the newspaper. "I think down deep, that's exactly how he feels."

I'm a little surprised that Favre has waited so long to move on this, if everything we've heard is correct. Maybe he is caught off-guard by the fact that they don't appear to want him back.

[Surtt]

I'm a little surprised that Favre has waited so long to move on this, if everything we've heard is correct. Maybe he is caught off-guard by the fact that they don't appear to want him back.


Wasn't the reason he retired because he didn't think Green Bay wanted him back?
hxxp://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=724366

[Ksyrup]

Looks like this is going to be an interesting (if not played out) storyline for the upcoming season. First, what will the Pack do; second, where does Favre go; and third, how does he do, and how does the Pack do without him?

[molson]

"Played Out" is going to be an understatement. I figure by week 3 ESPN won't be covering anything else.

[albionmoonlight]

If they release him, does he go on waivers or become an immediate UFA?

And, if he does go on waivers, would any team claim him, or is his salary prohibitive?

[Kodos]

I think his salary is prohibitive.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Yes! Make it so, Favre! Come back! Please!

[DeToxRox]

So, if he's given unconditional release, where will he choose to go?

No chance he gets it. If he did, he'll be in Minnesota in a heartbeat.

[TroyF]

Looks like this is going to be an interesting (if not played out) storyline for the upcoming season. First, what will the Pack do; second, where does Favre go; and third, how does he do, and how does the Pack do without him?

I'll take a stab at them.

1) The Pack will release him. They've moved on and they won't find a trading partner.
2) He's going to Minnesota. It makes the most sense. Winning team, revenge factor, money to give him. The Ravens could be in the picture, but I don't see Favre as a good fit there.
3) He'll be fine. He was clearly ok last year and his skills won't have a huge drop off this year. he goes to the Vikings, they become Super Bowl favorites with the Cowboys in the NFC.
4) The Packers are going to struggle without him. Not "struggle" to 3-13 by any stretch. They have a great defense and a solid group of WR. But Aaron Rodgers is going to have growing pains. Their schedule early is brutal. They'll likely be 3-4 after 7 weeks. I think they go 9-7 and miss the playoffs.

I'll add one more:

If Favre does well and the Packers don't, anyone involved in that decision making process will see their careers come to a screeching halt. This is a win now industry. They are making a choice to start fresh with a new QB when a HOF one wanted to play for them. If Favre does well and the Packers don't, this doesn't end pretty for the GM. If Rodgers is a flop, they will never have jobs within the league again.

[molson]

The '08 Packers are obviously better with Favre, but the '09 Packers are probably better if Rodgers plays in '08.

It sucks for Rodgers and really the whole team. He'll be compared to Favre which isn't fair, because they're at completely different stages of their career.

And Favre is a diva douchebag. I never got why he was so beloved.

[DeToxRox]

I'll take a stab at them.

1) The Pack will release him. They've moved on and they won't find a trading partner.
2) He's going to Minnesota. It makes the most sense. Winning team, revenge factor, money to give him. The Ravens could be in the picture, but I don't see Favre as a good fit there.
3) He'll be fine. He was clearly ok last year and his skills won't have a huge drop off this year. he goes to the Vikings, they become Super Bowl favorites with the Cowboys in the NFC.
4) The Packers are going to struggle without him. Not "struggle" to 3-13 by any stretch. They have a great defense and a solid group of WR. But Aaron Rodgers is going to have growing pains. Their schedule early is brutal. They'll likely be 3-4 after 7 weeks. I think they go 9-7 and miss the playoffs.

I'll add one more:

If Favre does well and the Packers don't, anyone involved in that decision making process will see their careers come to a screeching halt. This is a win now industry. They are making a choice to start fresh with a new QB when a HOF one wanted to play for them. If Favre does well and the Packers don't, this doesn't end pretty for the GM. If Rodgers is a flop, they will never have jobs within the league again.

Ding ding ding.

Aaron Rodgers is royally fucked. He is in a no win situation now. Every mistake will be nitpicked even more then it already was going to be, and wherever Favre goes, Rodgers will be compared to him without question.

Unless Rodgers has a 3500 yard, 25 TD season, it won't be good enough for most Pack fans.

[molson]

Are you basing the "revenge factor" on anything concrete? Isn't it possible that he realizes the impossible situation he's put the Packers in and would (reasonably) avoid their division and go to the Ravens, or Redskins, or some other mid-level team? I agree that the Vikings are the most attractive choice, however.

If they're stupid enough to grant him a release, this thought will never cross his mind (to be reasonable to the Packers).

[Honolulu_Blue]

I'll take a stab at them.

1) The Pack will release him. They've moved on and they won't find a trading partner.
2) He's going to Minnesota. It makes the most sense. Winning team, revenge factor, money to give him. The Ravens could be in the picture, but I don't see Favre as a good fit there.
3) He'll be fine. He was clearly ok last year and his skills won't have a huge drop off this year. he goes to the Vikings, they become Super Bowl favorites with the Cowboys in the NFC.
4) The Packers are going to struggle without him. Not "struggle" to 3-13 by any stretch. They have a great defense and a solid group of WR. But Aaron Rodgers is going to have growing pains. Their schedule early is brutal. They'll likely be 3-4 after 7 weeks. I think they go 9-7 and miss the playoffs.

I'll add one more:

If Favre does well and the Packers don't, anyone involved in that decision making process will see their careers come to a screeching halt. This is a win now industry. They are making a choice to start fresh with a new QB when a HOF one wanted to play for them. If Favre does well and the Packers don't, this doesn't end pretty for the GM. If Rodgers is a flop, they will never have jobs within the league again.

Is something else going that I missed? Is Favre asking for his release because the Packers have already said "Thanks, but no thanks?"

If not, (or even if so) I really don't think that, even if Favre does well and the Packers struggle, "anyone involved in that decision making process will see their careers come to a screeching halt."

Can't the Packers' brass just spin this as a "We would love to have him back" but either (a) Favre didnt' want to come back (see, his letter asking for a release) or (b) it just wasn't going to work, we moved on.

If it's (a), they should be fine. They can spin this as a totally pro-Favre thing to do. "Brett was a great player, we love him, he asked to move and we're granting his wish. We wish him all the best."

I can see where (b) is quite a bit more dicey, but I don't think it's completely catastrophic. While folks in Green Bay may get all crazy, I think most sensible NFL types (or anyone outside of Wisconsin) could totally understand the horrible position Favre put these guys in and sympathize with their choice. Hell, even if the Packers don't succeed this year, not bringing Our Farve back may be the best thing, in the long term, for the franchise. Sure, some Cheesheads will likely never see it that way, but to say that anyone in the Packer front office will "will never have jobs within the league again" is a bit over the top, in particular, in a league where the Ford family owns a franchise.

That said, I agree with pretty much everything else.

[Jas_lov]

No chance he gets it. If he did, he'll be in Minnesota in a heartbeat.

Right. The Packers will not let him go to Minnesota where he would be playing them twice including MNF week 1 when they were suppose to honor him and retire his jersey. The Vikings are a good fit though because they have a great defense and running game and Childress is part of that Holmgren coaching tree. The Vikings like to sign players the Packers don't want anymore so it wouldn't surprise me if they have interest, but it ain't gonna happen.

[JAG]

If they release him, does he go on waivers or become an immediate UFA?

And, if he does go on waivers, would any team claim him, or is his salary prohibitive?

There's no waivers for players with something like 4+ years in the league, so upon his release he would be a UFA.

[Ksyrup]

Is something else going that I missed? Is Favre asking for his release because the Packers have already said "Thanks, but no thanks?"

Yes. According to Mort, they had a call on Tuesday and he was basically told to stay retired.

[TroyF]

Are you basing the "revenge factor" on anything concrete? Isn't it possible that he realizes the impossible situation he's put the Packers in and would (reasonably) avoid their division and go to the Ravens, or Redskins, or some other mid-level team? I agree that the Vikings are the most attractive choice, however.

People sometimes rip my dumb ass analogies, but this one is easy and evident:

You are a hall of fame QB who helped resurrect a football team that hadn't went deep into the playoffs in a couple of decades. You lead them to a Super Bowl win, a Super Bowl loss, stay with them your entire career (after that brief stint with the Falcons) and break pretty much every passing record in the game.

Then that team says "Sorry Brett, we don't want you back, we wanna go with a QB with 1 career game under his belt"

You think you aren't going to be a little offended? Please.

At the end of the day, Favre will go to whichever team he feels can win AND offer him the most money will be. But don't doubt for a second he's going to be a little pissed off at the Packers.

[TroyF]

The '08 Packers are obviously better with Favre, but the '09 Packers are probably better if Rodgers plays in '08.

It sucks for Rodgers and really the whole team. He'll be compared to Favre which isn't fair, because they're at completely different stages of their career.

And Favre is a diva douchebag. I never got why he was so beloved.

Because he played the game with enthusiasm. People love to see that. It's why people love college vs. pro sports. The emotion of the game.

Favre is a douchebag. None of my comments are meant to put him into sainthood. But the reality is, he put up an all pro season last year. If Packers management chooses to say good bye to him and go with Aaron Rodgers, Rodgers had better be a complete and total stud.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Yes. According to Mort, they had a call on Tuesday and he was basically told to stay retired.

Sweet.

[gstelmack]

Is everyone forgetting the sucky years he had before last year? He's also the Packer who led them to their first ever home playoff loss.

It will be interesting to see if Minnesota gets the '07 Favre or the '03-'06 Favre...

[Honolulu_Blue]

If Favre did end up in Minnesota, that would likely make that first Monday night game the highest rated cable TV program. Ever.

[Front Office Midget]

Is everyone forgetting the sucky years he had before last year? He's also the Packer who led them to their first ever home playoff loss.

It will be interesting to see if Minnesota gets the '07 Favre or the '03-'06 Favre...

Favre was fine in 03 and 04.

Man, I would hate to see Brett in Minnesota. Would ruin everything I believe about football.

It will also be rough for Aaron. I'd like to think that Wisconsin fans aren't that way, but I know that most of them are drunk hicks with no patience.

[Cork]

I will chime in as a long time Packer fan and say that I hope and pray that Favre will not return to the Packers. He had a great career, but it is time to move on.

-Cork

[Mustang]

At the end of the day, Favre will go to whichever team he feels can win AND offer him the most money will be. But don't doubt for a second he's going to be a little pissed off at the Packers.

If he did that, his image in Wisconsin would be tarnished perhaps beyond repair. Joining the Vikings goes beyond jabbing the Packer's organization. If he doesn't care about everyone that has backed him in the state for all these years, helped his charities, bought his autographs and signs with Minnesota then Wisconsin has wasted 17 years cheering for someone that truly only cares about himself.

[Kodos]

A little overdramatic?

[Mustang]

A little overdramatic?

Nope, not at all.

[Zelig]

Cowboy up

[Eaglesfan27]

Driving home from work, I was listening to Fox Sports Radio. Jay Glazer (sp?) is reporting that the Packers have told him they will not release Favre under any conditions, but that Favre is welcome to come back to the team as Rodgers' backup. Also, the report was saying that Favre told the team he wanted to come back in March and the team was ready to welcome him back, but he backed out of it 2 days later.

[molson]

Driving home from work, I was listing to Fox Sports Radio. Jay Glazer (sp?) is reporting that the Packers have told him they will not release Favre under any conditions, but that Favre is welcome to come back to the team as Rodgers' backup. Also, the report was saying that Favre told the team he wanted to come back in March and the team was ready to welcome him back, but he backed out of it 2 days later.

Nice - I think the Pack are my new favorite NFC team.

[Kodos]

Brett Favre can't hold Rodgers' jock.

[molson]

How long would he remain the backup? This is the solution that puts the MOST pressure on Rodgers. I don't think that's a tenable situation, but more of a bluff.

It's not really a bluff, it's just the only alternative to releasing him and having him sign with a rival (if they're committed to Rodgers)