You’ve seen this, perhaps, on a regular when he cries and gripes to ease his way back into the NFL. You’ve seen him change his mind, having a weary itch that grew obsolete as the days progressed.
He is, Brett Lorenzo Favre, an egomaniacal quarterback whose annoyance encouraged us to tell him how much he needed to stay away from the sport he absolutely relishes. Beyond all, he has never been a money freak, but allowed a selfish psyche to frustrate us all.
He has never been thrilled to wave goodbye, but elated to return and dominate as if he’s in his prime or a superstar quarterback producing raw talent.
But in Favre’s case, it’s needless to ponder a long-term or short-term future. Even we shouldn’t have to debate Favre’s next step, coming off of a miraculous season, a challenge veteran quarterbacks rarely muster in the late stages of an unforgettable career.
Because of a grand career in the NFL, it’s common speculating there’s nothing else Favre needs to accomplish. The average quarterback isn’t capable of nearly stockpiling the kind of passing records as Favre has done during a memorable pursuit.
He’s not done. For once, we could have a unanimous interest of welcoming Favre back. The football fanatics and regulars obsess with a sport that has evolved into a popular sport in America, aren’t done endorsing or applauding NFL’s top magnet.
But this time, Favre may actually be ready to call it quits after committing much of his life to a game where it takes complete devotion in a physical and mental state of mind to meet team standards.
At 40, the wear and tear on an aging body hasn’t been much of a problem, but spending less time with his wife, Deanna, and family has been irksome. So immediately following Sunday night’s dishearten loss, a contest in which Favre was battered and harassed by the Saints, he said it’s “highly unlikely” he’ll return for a 20th season.
If he opts to leave, he’s not relinquishing the game or quitting on his teammates. But if he decides to depart on good terms, he might strongly ponder if it’s the final time instead of announcing months later of a potential return.
Enough of the weariness begging to return before training game resumes. His customary intentions of imploring to un-retire, held the Packers hostage and resulted in a trade to the New York Jets a few seasons ago, a franchise he never desired playing for.
The narrow-minded front office made it clear that they were prepared to move forward, obligated to the ambitious Rodgers. There are speculations Favre came back, seeking vengeance against Packers’ general manager Ted Thompson after assuming he was shut out the door, unwelcomed for a changeable and selfish ethics, the kind of attitude that didn’t settle well in Green Bay.
To this day, disgruntled Packers’ fans describe Favre as a traitor, even though the organization rebuffed interest. Just to refresh memories, when he returned to a hostile environment he called home for 16 seasons, the unfriendly place chanted boos after he emerged strangely from the visitor’s tunnel at Lambeau Field.
Meanwhile he had the last word, and guided the Minnesota Vikings to a 2-0 regular season sweep over his former team to increase the bitterness.
At one point, he annoyed us crying to make a return. He desperately wanted his way or no way, expecting the NFL to express sympathy. Described as a diva, Favre proved to the world he’s still an expert of submitting all the elements it takes to benefit as a premier quarterback. Reaching milestones, breaking passing records, mastering brilliant arm-strength, you name it, Favre has it.
The average fan is long past the everlasting sagas, when he was featured on ESPN and Sportscenter as the most famous diva in sports and became the Worldwide Leader in Nuisance.
And suddenly, Sportscenter was renamed Favrecenter. Now days, we are generous to accept Favre back, excited for the action-packed fun he brings to the game. Without him, football is average. Without him, football isn’t football.
It shouldn’t take much discussing Favre’s status, coming off a season on a high note. Depending on how someone views it, there’s unfinished business and with enough in the tank Favre is a franchise quarterback.
In one season, the Vikings have benefited greatly, based on his experience and inspiration, but unfortunately fell short in the NFC Championship Game against New Orleans. Unsure of his status, Favre doesn’t have a timetable on a possible return.
However, the Vikings and coach Brad Childress might be curious to learn Favre’s decision in the next few weeks to avoid being victimized of the wishy-washiness that has created national disturbance.
If not, it won’t take long before a ruckus begets. If not, it won’t take long before weariness explodes and makes us tired of the unnecessary soap opera. If not, it won’t take long before he’s labeled as the egocentric coaches' pet by skipping out on training camp and mini-camp, preparations his teammates had to endure a year ago while he flew in on a private jet from the rural area of Mississippi and joined the team without undergoing the laborious task.
Favre doesn’t owe anything to fans or teammates. But it wouldn’t hurt to return, giving it another shot at leaving the game on top with a Super Bowl win. The Vikings are Super Bowl bound if he decides to play next season.
Whether he was desperate in finding a sound quarterback or eager to allow a good friend to teach the principles to a young and deep core, Favre was giving a chance to fulfill his urge to hurl passes on Sundays and produce sensational plays. He called him to reject the tracker lifestyle and persist in the football lifestyle.
It paid off in an unexpected season where he threw for 38 touchdowns and was amazingly picked off nine times. He also had sizable weapons, benefiting from the deepest wide receiving core, not to mention the solid running game that started off blazing.
But flaws are deadly, whenever talented All-Pro running back Adrian Peterson has ball security blunders. Otherwise, the Vikings are profound at receiver, an advantage for the gunslinger who found Bernard Berrian, Sidney Rice, or a versatile Percy Harvin often.
Having plenty of weapons should be enough to inspire Favre to remain in the league. And considering the unwise throw in the final seconds of the fourth quarter, by passing in the ball across the field to Saints’ safety Tracy Porter, he has unfinished business.
There’s a mission to be completed, but he must be willing to return. Why not? Favre still has a shrewd mind, a strong heart, and powerful accuracy, all the intangibles to win a Super Bowl.
I myself urge him to come back.
He must remember that he’s playing for a loyal owner. Zigy Wilf is expected to offer Favre a financial increase, greater than $13 million owed to him for the 2010 season. For the average Minnesotan, they’ll love to see him return, and hopefully next time they could reach the climax nearly accomplished this year.
Is there enough in Favre’s tank? Yes, indeed, he could dominate next season, too.
But he has to be willing to accept the challenge.
I’m hopeful for a return.
