In an emotional annoucement, a teary eyed Brett Favre revealed his retirement during a press conference, after 17 seasons as one of the NFL's most record setting quarterbacks of all time. "I promised I wouldn't get emotional," he choked between an ebb of tears. "I've watched hundreds of players retire and you wonder what that would be like and you think you're prepared ...It wasn't about the money or fame or records. I hear people talk about your accomplishments and things. It was never my accomplishments, it was our accomplishments." The 38 year old "gunslinger" from Missisippi first stunned his agent, Bus Cook and Packers coach Mike McCarthy with his intentions on Monday, March 3rd.
Favre had always been admired and acknowledged for the passion in which he played the game."His accomplishments are legendary," General manager, Ted Thompson said. "And it's the passion with which he played that made everyone a Brett Favre fan." His killer arm, competitive spirit and insatiable thirst to play the game, recently shattered former Miami Dolphins quarterback great and NFL Hall of Famer Dan Marino's record of most touchdown passes and most yards passing as well as John Elway's record for most career victories.
With only a month before the draft in April and June looming on the horizon it would seem that an announcement of retirement has come prematurely. Many in the league such as NFL analyst Troy Aikman, question whether Favre will actually stay retired. Walking away when the smell of turf and the screams of thousands of fans are ripe in the air would fill the average sports fan with a sense of nostalgia. For a legendary quarterback, it would call to him like the familiar embrace of a past lover.
The career stats he leaves behind are remarkable to say the least; a Superbowl win, 5,377 career completions in 8,758 attempts for 61,655 yards, 442 touchdowns and 253 starts (including the playoffs, 275 starts), the most of any quarterback. If I failed to mention another record he holds for 288 interceptions,forgive me for not wanting to relive an ill fated 2005 season where the Packers went 4-12. Under normal circumstances, I would cling to this stat laughing in maniacal glee at any Packers misfortune, but I happen to respect the NFL's only three-time MVP. Despite all his achievements, the 23-20 loss that catapulted the New York Giants to a 2008 Superbowl win as a result of an interception during overtime of the NFC Championship game , had to have delivered a confidence shaking blow.
Who are we to not believe Favre's sudden bout with mental fatigue and lack of desire for the game? Can you very well blame the man? In this dog eat dog world, it's often all or nothing. Even after news spread like wildfire across the internet and newswires everywhere, analysts contemplated Favre’s return and critics weighed in on Favre’s status as one of the best quarterbacks ever.
"I have way too much pride," Favre commented. "I expect a lot out of myself. And if I cannot do those things 100 percent, then I can't play." The only thing that would make the game worth playing would be another Superbowl win. With a virtuoso of talented wide receivers to tap into, this may very well be possible even without the acquisition of Randy Moss (although Favre downplayed the Packers lack of iniative in cementing a deal with Moss, Favre’s disappointment was apparent and has been widely speculated as a major reason for his “sudden” retirement).
I’d rather go out at the top of my game than to stay in and suffer another failure to clinch the ultimate game. Favre just might be on to something there.
Favre had always been admired and acknowledged for the passion in which he played the game."His accomplishments are legendary," General manager, Ted Thompson said. "And it's the passion with which he played that made everyone a Brett Favre fan." His killer arm, competitive spirit and insatiable thirst to play the game, recently shattered former Miami Dolphins quarterback great and NFL Hall of Famer Dan Marino's record of most touchdown passes and most yards passing as well as John Elway's record for most career victories.
With only a month before the draft in April and June looming on the horizon it would seem that an announcement of retirement has come prematurely. Many in the league such as NFL analyst Troy Aikman, question whether Favre will actually stay retired. Walking away when the smell of turf and the screams of thousands of fans are ripe in the air would fill the average sports fan with a sense of nostalgia. For a legendary quarterback, it would call to him like the familiar embrace of a past lover.
The career stats he leaves behind are remarkable to say the least; a Superbowl win, 5,377 career completions in 8,758 attempts for 61,655 yards, 442 touchdowns and 253 starts (including the playoffs, 275 starts), the most of any quarterback. If I failed to mention another record he holds for 288 interceptions,forgive me for not wanting to relive an ill fated 2005 season where the Packers went 4-12. Under normal circumstances, I would cling to this stat laughing in maniacal glee at any Packers misfortune, but I happen to respect the NFL's only three-time MVP. Despite all his achievements, the 23-20 loss that catapulted the New York Giants to a 2008 Superbowl win as a result of an interception during overtime of the NFC Championship game , had to have delivered a confidence shaking blow.
Who are we to not believe Favre's sudden bout with mental fatigue and lack of desire for the game? Can you very well blame the man? In this dog eat dog world, it's often all or nothing. Even after news spread like wildfire across the internet and newswires everywhere, analysts contemplated Favre’s return and critics weighed in on Favre’s status as one of the best quarterbacks ever.
"I have way too much pride," Favre commented. "I expect a lot out of myself. And if I cannot do those things 100 percent, then I can't play." The only thing that would make the game worth playing would be another Superbowl win. With a virtuoso of talented wide receivers to tap into, this may very well be possible even without the acquisition of Randy Moss (although Favre downplayed the Packers lack of iniative in cementing a deal with Moss, Favre’s disappointment was apparent and has been widely speculated as a major reason for his “sudden” retirement).
I’d rather go out at the top of my game than to stay in and suffer another failure to clinch the ultimate game. Favre just might be on to something there.
Related Articles:
Overhyped: Favre didn't deliver in the second half of his career
Where Does Favre Rate Among the Top QBs
What's Next For the Packers?
Favre's Top 10 Moments
Favre' Bids Farewell to Football
Posts
3 comments:
It is definitely the end of an era...Brett Favre, along with Troy Aikman, John Elway, Steve Young, and Dan Marino ruled the 1990s...Favre is the only three time MVP in the NFL, which is shocking..Even though he only won one Super Bowl, playing in Green Bay is hard enough becauise hardly nobody would go there to play..I believe that the Atlanta Falcons will regret the day that they traded Favre to the Packers because what do they have to show for it nothing except for Michael Vick being in jail, Deion Sanders winning Super Bowls with the San Francisco 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys...Brett Favre is definitely a first-ballot hall of famer..All the tragedy he had to endure in his life, he was able to enjoy the game that he loves and we will all miss him next season, but now its tkime for Aaron Rodgers to step up and be the man in Green Bay now...
Yea he is definitely a class act.I wasn't really up on him until I started freelance writing and doing my research. Of course as a Lions fan and Detroit native, me rooting for a team that whups our ass in almost every time we face them,deserving or not, is out of the question. I have mad love for Favre though. His passion and anguish at coming to the decision to retire were obvious when he addressed the press. Where as Marion Jones' tearful apology when she got busted for steroid use seemed more of a stereotypical character in a real bad soap opera, Favre seemed genuine. Like this was the toughest decision he's had to make and he really is "mentally tired". When you get to his status, hell, all you got left is a Superbowl ring. There is no close second. It's all or nothing. I'm with him. If I can't give it 100% then I don't want to do it at all regardless of what things I got working in my favor.Why half ass?
Warmest regards
Qiana M
event planner.host.actress
http://www.qianam.com
http://quota-bles.blogspot.com
I believe that Favre is one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. He played with great passion and enthusiasm for the game. Whether or not you liked or disliked the Packers, everyone respected the way he carried himself and played the game. He was admired for his toughness and ability to play through pain and he faced many obstacles along the way (his father passing, wife's breast cancer, addiction to painkillers, etc). Through it all he was there every Sunday. He cons. starts streak has given him a persona larger than his play on the field.
However, I have to look at his career from both sides. Favre was the last true gunslinger. It made his team and fans adore him, but it also limited his success in my opinion. At times Favre played with reckless abandon. He wasn't afraid to throw the ball into triple coverage. He felt that he always had to make a play which resulted in his record 288 career ints. He should've won multiple Superbowls. Yes he has the most touchdowns, completions, yards, etc but that is because he played longer than Marino or Elway, not because he is a better QB. He is a first ballor HOF and true warrior, but part of me feels that for all of his individual accomplishments he should've delivered more team success.
Post a Comment