I have never loved Brett Favre. I grew up a Cowboys fan and never admired the Packers, Jets or Vikings. When Favre said he was returning to the NFL again late this summer, I thought he was just another washed-up quarterback who needed to call it quits. However, Favre has proved me wrong this season. Whether you love him or hate him, Favre can still play.
Favre is not your average quarterback. He will be turning 40 years old Saturday, and he still plays like he is in his prime. Favre picked apart his former team to improve to 4-0 on the season last Monday night. He went 24-31, throwing for 271 yards and three touchdowns. He did not throw an interception or turn the ball over. Favre played like the elite quarterback he has been throughout his career.
But not everyone loves Brett Favre. He has retired twice now and come back with a different team each time. He has rubbed fans the wrong way by being indecisive and deceitful in this process, and sports fans got tired of hearing about the Favre saga this summer. I understand how everyone feels; yet, I respect Favre even more for it. He has continued his career in the NFL, not for the money or because he wants to be on SportsCenter, but because he still loves the game. Favre cannot walk away from football, because he still loves to compete, and when the game is on the line, he still wants the ball in his hands.
Even for those who don’t like Favre, the numbers don’t lie; Favre is one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game. Favre has thrown the most touchdown passes in NFL history, and he made history again Monday night when he became the first quarterback to beat all 32 NFL teams.
Too often in sports, you see great athletes come out of retirement, only to struggle in their sport and have little success. The greatest thing about Brett Favre is the veteran quarterback has a very good chance to make the playoffs and possibly contend for another Super Bowl. Even though I have never been a huge fan, I hope he gets this opportunity, because he deserves one last chance to go out as a champion.
