From the LaCrosse Tribune...

After listening to a seemingly endless barrage of opinions about Brett Favre and his apparent desire to play quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, five things have become abundantly clear.

No. 1: Favre really wants to play. The fact he’s willing to endure the never-ending parade of ESPN squatters/reporters living outside his home says as much about his determination as his willingness to undergo surgery. No. 2: The Vikings really want Favre to play, too. Minnesota head coach Brad Childress realizes as well as anybody that at 39 years old or 59 years old, Favre is still better than what they have with the two-headed quarterbacking monster that is Sage Rosenfels and Tarvaris Jackson. Childress also is smart enough to realize that much of his job security is tied to the performance of his quarterback. Given the recent performance of Minnesota QBs, if he doesn’t land Favre, it might not be a bad idea for Childress to keep that North American Van Lines number handy.

And let’s not forget Favre’s ability to sell a team jersey. It’s hardly a coincidence that the Packers’ souvenir shop sales fell off by millions of dollars last year after their ugly divorce with Favre. You can imagine the Vikings would be very interested in cashing in on Favre’s ability to connect with consumers almost as much as his ability to connect with receivers.
Bottom line, if you can put butts in the seats and money in the till there is a spot for you on an NFL roster.
No. 3: The NFL would really like to see Favre in Minnesota. Not only would his playing for the Packers’ biggest rival create great storylines for the media to run with, it will help create great revenue streams for the league to run with.

In addition to selling tickets, Favre in purple will drive TV ratings — locally and nationally — which in turn drive advertising rates. And in the NFL — as in most businesses — the bottom line is the bottom line.
No. 4: There are plenty of reasons why Brett Favre should consider walking away from the NFL. First and foremost is his health.

As someone who has been 39 years old before himself, I can assure you at Favre’s age there are many things other than cereal that go snap, crackle, pop. In an ultraviolent game that is played at a dizzying speed, the physical limitations of an aging body are a very big deal, especially when the aging body in question is your own.

On a more positive note, he’s already won a Super Bowl, was named league MVP three consecutive years and holds most of the NFL’s significant passing records. In other words there’s not a lot left to accomplish.

No. 5: Worrying about “protecting his legacy” isn’t — nor should it be — a valid reason for Favre to stop playing the game he loves.

His legacy is just that. His. Its care — or lack thereof — is his business. It’s not for snarky pundits (myself included), other players or fans to decide how Favre should protect our memories of his playing days.

There also has been a glaring lack of honesty in the discussion about his legacy. Those who claim to be concerned about how Favre is remembered in fact appear to be most concerned about having to see him play for the hated Vikings.
While the image of Favre as a Viking is understandably an upsetting one, the feelings those people are experiencing are anger and resentment and should not be confused with concern or a sense of caring, and frankly are beneath the great tradition of Green Bay Packers fans.

If Favre wants to continue his career — and still has the ability to do so — who among us has the chutzpa to say he should. Truth be told, if seeing Favre play for Minnesota destroys our memories of his career, it says more about us than it does about him.



Best article written yet concerning the desired monopoly and insecurity my fellow "fans" have over Favre

tandread84:

From the LaCrosse Tribune...

After listening to a seemingly endless barrage of opinions about Brett Favre and his apparent desire to play quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, five things have become abundantly clear.

No. 1: Favre really wants to play. The fact he’s willing to endure the never-ending parade of ESPN squatters/reporters living outside his home says as much about his determination as his willingness to undergo surgery. No. 2: The Vikings really want Favre to play, too. Minnesota head coach Brad Childress realizes as well as anybody that at 39 years old or 59 years old, Favre is still better than what they have with the two-headed quarterbacking monster that is Sage Rosenfels and Tarvaris Jackson. Childress also is smart enough to realize that much of his job security is tied to the performance of his quarterback. Given the recent performance of Minnesota QBs, if he doesn’t land Favre, it might not be a bad idea for Childress to keep that North American Van Lines number handy.

And let’s not forget Favre’s ability to sell a team jersey. It’s hardly a coincidence that the Packers’ souvenir shop sales fell off by millions of dollars last year after their ugly divorce with Favre. You can imagine the Vikings would be very interested in cashing in on Favre’s ability to connect with consumers almost as much as his ability to connect with receivers.
Bottom line, if you can put butts in the seats and money in the till there is a spot for you on an NFL roster.
No. 3: The NFL would really like to see Favre in Minnesota. Not only would his playing for the Packers’ biggest rival create great storylines for the media to run with, it will help create great revenue streams for the league to run with.

In addition to selling tickets, Favre in purple will drive TV ratings — locally and nationally — which in turn drive advertising rates. And in the NFL — as in most businesses — the bottom line is the bottom line.
No. 4: There are plenty of reasons why Brett Favre should consider walking away from the NFL. First and foremost is his health.

As someone who has been 39 years old before himself, I can assure you at Favre’s age there are many things other than cereal that go snap, crackle, pop. In an ultraviolent game that is played at a dizzying speed, the physical limitations of an aging body are a very big deal, especially when the aging body in question is your own.

On a more positive note, he’s already won a Super Bowl, was named league MVP three consecutive years and holds most of the NFL’s significant passing records. In other words there’s not a lot left to accomplish.

No. 5: Worrying about “protecting his legacy” isn’t — nor should it be — a valid reason for Favre to stop playing the game he loves.

His legacy is just that. His. Its care — or lack thereof — is his business. It’s not for snarky pundits (myself included), other players or fans to decide how Favre should protect our memories of his playing days.

There also has been a glaring lack of honesty in the discussion about his legacy. Those who claim to be concerned about how Favre is remembered in fact appear to be most concerned about having to see him play for the hated Vikings.
While the image of Favre as a Viking is understandably an upsetting one, the feelings those people are experiencing are anger and resentment and should not be confused with concern or a sense of caring, and frankly are beneath the great tradition of Green Bay Packers fans.

If Favre wants to continue his career — and still has the ability to do so — who among us has the chutzpa to say he should. Truth be told, if seeing Favre play for Minnesota destroys our memories of his career, it says more about us than it does about him.



Best article written yet concerning the desired monopoly and insecurity my fellow "fans" have over Favre

 

It's his call.  We can just wave "buh-bye" as the barrel goes over the falls...

Certainly his legacy is his, and he can do what he wants.  But he can't expect to be able to go and play for a bitter division rival and not have his standing among Packer fans take a serious blow.  I know things like rivalries and team loyalties can appear childish at times and few of the guys who actually play the game care about such things anywhere near as much as we fans do, but such things are the fuel that team sports run on, it's the stuff that presented Brett Favre with the opportunity to become a millionaire playing a game most any of us would willingly play for free.  If he wants to take a dump on all of that for the sake of one long-shot attempt at winning the Vikings a superbowl then that is certainly his right, but Packer fans also have every right to feel betrayed and to never look at him the same way again. 

Apok:

Certainly his legacy is his, and he can do what he wants.  But he can't expect to be able to go and play for a bitter division rival and not have his standing among Packer fans take a serious blow.  I know things like rivalries and team loyalties can appear childish at times and few of the guys who actually play the game care about such things anywhere near as much as we fans do, but such things are the fuel that team sports run on, it's the stuff that presented Brett Favre with the opportunity to become a millionaire playing a game most any of us would willingly play for free.  If he wants to take a dump on all of that for the sake of one long-shot attempt at winning the Vikings a superbowl then that is certainly his right, but Packer fans also have every right to feel betrayed and to never look at him the same way again. 

Speak for yourself, you, however self-important your perception, do not speak for all Packer fans.

Apok:

Certainly his legacy is his, and he can do what he wants.  But he can't expect to be able to go and play for a bitter division rival and not have his standing among Packer fans take a serious blow.  I know things like rivalries and team loyalties can appear childish at times and few of the guys who actually play the game care about such things anywhere near as much as we fans do, but such things are the fuel that team sports run on, it's the stuff that presented Brett Favre with the opportunity to become a millionaire playing a game most any of us would willingly play for free.  If he wants to take a dump on all of that for the sake of one long-shot attempt at winning the Vikings a superbowl then that is certainly his right, but Packer fans also have every right to feel betrayed and to never look at him the same way again. 

Brett Favres ability matched with Wolf's determination gave him the opportunity. The Fans kept him paid.

admitting your partaking in a seemingly childish vendetta, and accusing BLF of taking a dump on the Packer franchise shows your inability to comprehend anything you read.

in essence, you proved the writes point, admirably.

LOL'n at "never be able to look at Favre the same way again"...

and its us (the Favre faithfull) accused of man crushing him..

Broken Heart Apok?

priceless

robertj44:

Apok:

Certainly his legacy is his, and he can do what he wants.  But he can't expect to be able to go and play for a bitter division rival and not have his standing among Packer fans take a serious blow.  I know things like rivalries and team loyalties can appear childish at times and few of the guys who actually play the game care about such things anywhere near as much as we fans do, but such things are the fuel that team sports run on, it's the stuff that presented Brett Favre with the opportunity to become a millionaire playing a game most any of us would willingly play for free.  If he wants to take a dump on all of that for the sake of one long-shot attempt at winning the Vikings a superbowl then that is certainly his right, but Packer fans also have every right to feel betrayed and to never look at him the same way again. 

Speak for yourself, you, however self-important your perception, do not speak for all Packer fans.

Please, show me where I claimed to be. 

Apok:

robertj44:

Apok:

Certainly his legacy is his, and he can do what he wants.  But he can't expect to be able to go and play for a bitter division rival and not have his standing among Packer fans take a serious blow.  I know things like rivalries and team loyalties can appear childish at times and few of the guys who actually play the game care about such things anywhere near as much as we fans do, but such things are the fuel that team sports run on, it's the stuff that presented Brett Favre with the opportunity to become a millionaire playing a game most any of us would willingly play for free.  If he wants to take a dump on all of that for the sake of one long-shot attempt at winning the Vikings a superbowl then that is certainly his right, but Packer fans also have every right to feel betrayed and to never look at him the same way again. 

Speak for yourself, you, however self-important your perception, do not speak for all Packer fans.

Please, show me where I claimed to be. 

Just look at every post you contribute in a Favre related thread. Try again...

Apok:

But he can't expect to be able to go and play for a bitter division rival and not have his standing among Packer fans take a serious blow.

 

 

But ted thompson can trade the greatest player in packer history and you would seriously blow him.

tandread84:

Apok:

Certainly his legacy is his, and he can do what he wants.  But he can't expect to be able to go and play for a bitter division rival and not have his standing among Packer fans take a serious blow.  I know things like rivalries and team loyalties can appear childish at times and few of the guys who actually play the game care about such things anywhere near as much as we fans do, but such things are the fuel that team sports run on, it's the stuff that presented Brett Favre with the opportunity to become a millionaire playing a game most any of us would willingly play for free.  If he wants to take a dump on all of that for the sake of one long-shot attempt at winning the Vikings a superbowl then that is certainly his right, but Packer fans also have every right to feel betrayed and to never look at him the same way again. 

Brett Favres ability matched with Wolf's determination gave him the opportunity. The Fans kept him paid.

admitting your partaking in a seemingly childish vendetta, and accusing BLF of taking a dump on the Packer franchise shows your inability to comprehend anything you read.

in essence, you proved the writes point, admirably.

LOL'n at "never be able to look at Favre the same way again"...

and its us (the Favre faithfull) accused of man crushing him..


priceless

I think my ability to get through two sentences without misspelling something pretty well proves my superiority to you in the reading and writing department, enough said on that.

My point was that, without things like rivalry and team loyalty, there would be no professional team sports, at least they wouldn't be the money-making machine that they are now.  Players are free to jump ship to whomever they choose, but they can't expect there not to be repercussions in the way they are embraced by the fans.  Of course, there will always be exceptions like you and robert, but you will remain just that, exceptions, not the rule.  I never claimed that you and robert don't have the right to remain loyal to Favre, why must you claim that the rest of us don't have the right to feel betrayed?  To each his own...

 

robertj44:

Apok:

robertj44:

Apok:

Certainly his legacy is his, and he can do what he wants.  But he can't expect to be able to go and play for a bitter division rival and not have his standing among Packer fans take a serious blow.  I know things like rivalries and team loyalties can appear childish at times and few of the guys who actually play the game care about such things anywhere near as much as we fans do, but such things are the fuel that team sports run on, it's the stuff that presented Brett Favre with the opportunity to become a millionaire playing a game most any of us would willingly play for free.  If he wants to take a dump on all of that for the sake of one long-shot attempt at winning the Vikings a superbowl then that is certainly his right, but Packer fans also have every right to feel betrayed and to never look at him the same way again. 

Speak for yourself, you, however self-important your perception, do not speak for all Packer fans.

Please, show me where I claimed to be. 

Just look at every post you contribute in a Favre related thread. Try again...

Not quite, genius.  I said Packer fans have the right to feel betrayed, didn't say they are bound to or that they all do.  You apparently are claiming that they don't, so who's claiming to speak for everyone?

jaymo:

Apok:

But he can't expect to be able to go and play for a bitter division rival and not have his standing among Packer fans take a serious blow.

 

 

But ted thompson can trade the greatest player in packer history and you would seriously blow him.

My feelings might be different if said player hadn't quit months prior, and if I didn't already regard said player as an interception machine in crunch time who the Packers (or anyone else) would have little chance of winning a championship with.  Just my opinion...

 

Apok:

tandread84:

Apok:

Certainly his legacy is his, and he can do what he wants.  But he can't expect to be able to go and play for a bitter division rival and not have his standing among Packer fans take a serious blow.  I know things like rivalries and team loyalties can appear childish at times and few of the guys who actually play the game care about such things anywhere near as much as we fans do, but such things are the fuel that team sports run on, it's the stuff that presented Brett Favre with the opportunity to become a millionaire playing a game most any of us would willingly play for free.  If he wants to take a dump on all of that for the sake of one long-shot attempt at winning the Vikings a superbowl then that is certainly his right, but Packer fans also have every right to feel betrayed and to never look at him the same way again. 

Brett Favres ability matched with Wolf's determination gave him the opportunity. The Fans kept him paid.

admitting your partaking in a seemingly childish vendetta, and accusing BLF of taking a dump on the Packer franchise shows your inability to comprehend anything you read.

in essence, you proved the writes point, admirably.

LOL'n at "never be able to look at Favre the same way again"...

and its us (the Favre faithfull) accused of man crushing him..


priceless

I think my ability to get through two sentences without misspelling something something pretty well proves my superiority to you in the reading and writing department, enough said on that.

My point was that, without things like rivalry and team loyalty, there would be no professional team sports, at least they wouldn't be the money-making machine that they are now.  Players are free to jump ship to whomever they choose, but they can't expect there not to be repercussions in the way they are embraced by the fans.  Of course, there will always be exceptions like you and robert, but you will remain just that, exceptions, not the rule.  I never claimed that you and robert don't have the right to remain loyal to Favre, why must you claim that the rest of us don't have the right to feel betrayed?  To each his own...

 

nothing like grammar police in an online forum... more inferiority symptoms...

the point you claimed to have been making wasn't at all what you originally posted but thats besides the point, mr obvious.

as far as Favre fans being exceptions to "the rule".. I was curious if your "rule" (meaning majority) had the same scientific authenticity as SlaveBidder's polling at the Baraboo airshow...

jaymo:

Apok:

But he can't expect to be able to go and play for a bitter division rival and not have his standing among Packer fans take a serious blow.

 

 

But ted thompson can trade the greatest player in packer history and you would seriously blow him.

This post is yet more proof of why Viking fans should not be allowed to render an opinion about "the greatest player in packer history".  He's not even the best QB in Packer history.

tandread84:

Apok:

tandread84:

Apok:

Certainly his legacy is his, and he can do what he wants.  But he can't expect to be able to go and play for a bitter division rival and not have his standing among Packer fans take a serious blow.  I know things like rivalries and team loyalties can appear childish at times and few of the guys who actually play the game care about such things anywhere near as much as we fans do, but such things are the fuel that team sports run on, it's the stuff that presented Brett Favre with the opportunity to become a millionaire playing a game most any of us would willingly play for free.  If he wants to take a dump on all of that for the sake of one long-shot attempt at winning the Vikings a superbowl then that is certainly his right, but Packer fans also have every right to feel betrayed and to never look at him the same way again. 

Brett Favres ability matched with Wolf's determination gave him the opportunity. The Fans kept him paid.

admitting your partaking in a seemingly childish vendetta, and accusing BLF of taking a dump on the Packer franchise shows your inability to comprehend anything you read.

in essence, you proved the writes point, admirably.

LOL'n at "never be able to look at Favre the same way again"...

and its us (the Favre faithfull) accused of man crushing him..


priceless

I think my ability to get through two sentences without misspelling something something pretty well proves my superiority to you in the reading and writing department, enough said on that.

My point was that, without things like rivalry and team loyalty, there would be no professional team sports, at least they wouldn't be the money-making machine that they are now.  Players are free to jump ship to whomever they choose, but they can't expect there not to be repercussions in the way they are embraced by the fans.  Of course, there will always be exceptions like you and robert, but you will remain just that, exceptions, not the rule.  I never claimed that you and robert don't have the right to remain loyal to Favre, why must you claim that the rest of us don't have the right to feel betrayed?  To each his own...

 

nothing like grammar police in an online forum... more inferiority symptoms...

the point you claimed to have been making wasn't at all what you originally posted but thats besides the point, mr obvious.

as far as Favre fans being exceptions to "the rule".. I was curious if your "rule" (meaning majority) had the same scientific authenticity as SlaveBidder's polling at the Baraboo airshow...

I'm not about being grammar police, but if you're going to take the debate down to the level of reading comprehension, then I'll play the game..

My point was exactly the same.  Maybe you need to go back and read it again. 

I'm not claiming anything scientific, just judging by what I see and hear.  I guess when Favre walks onto Lambeau Field with that sperm on the side of his helmet, we'll all know where the loyalties of most fans lie.  Until then, it's all speculation. 

I'm with you Apok, play for the Vikings, suffer the wrath.