O Brett: Just Hang It Up Already

In March, I wrote a “rant” praising Brett Favre’s career and his accomplishments. I am not about to take those comments back, as no one can argue that Brett Favre has not been one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history. However, his latest antics of all but confirming a comeback have rubbed me the wrong way. Since March, NFL fans have been pummeled with so-called rumors of Favre’s potential return, but to Packer’s fans chagrin, those rumors have been false. It would appear though that this latest rumor is indeed true and we may in fact see Favre back on gridiron in August, but not for the Packers.

As I understand it, Favre has asked for his unconditional release from the Green Bay Packers, which in itself signals that he wants to explore other options. Why would Favre want to explore other options? Since his “retirement” in March, the Packers have proclaimed Aaron Rodgers the next savior of the organization. In terms of a team’s morale, it helps to know who your new “field general” is. Favre on the other hand, claims that the Packers rushed him into making his retirement decision. As is obvious, Favre is again ready to play football, but the Packers do not want him back.

This puts the upper echelons of the Packer organization in a tight spot. They can either release him and their fan base will surely be up in arms. If the Packers chose to keep him (and do not let him play) to ensure that he does not move to a division rival, they again face a potential mutiny by the fans. As an adamant Bears fan, there is nothing better than seeing the Packers squirm. But then again, Favre’s latest antics lean on uncouthness. I cannot understand the relentless pull that a sport has on a great athlete, as I am not exactly the optimal definition of a true athlete. However, regardless of the pull, Favre had a great career and the chances of him coming back with any team and winning the Super Bowl is slim.

If Favre wants to keep his immortal legend status intact, he should do the right thing and simply let things be and ride off into the sunset.