OT article on Favre...

[lights1961]

If this is it, we were lucky to have Favre


By RICHARD JUSTICE
Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle

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NFL Football
Sunday, Jan. 20
San Diego 12 Final
New England 21

NY Giants 23 Final
Green Bay 20

Copyright © 2008 by STATS LLC.
All rights reserved.

PLAYOFF GALLERIES
Wild-card round


GREEN BAY, Wis. — Brett Favre is again pulled toward home, to the next chapter of his life. Maybe he figures this is as close to a perfect ending as he can write.

His remarkable season ended in disappointment and defeat Sunday evening, abruptly finishing a year in which he seemed reborn while leading the NFL's youngest team to the threshold of a Super Bowl.

He's 38 now, a veteran of 17 NFL seasons, and he knows better than most how fragile these things can be.

Favre declined to answer those questions Sunday night after a 23-20 overtime loss to the New York Giants in the NFC Championship Game. He has hinted he'd like to return for an 18th season.

"I'm not going to rush to make any quick decision," Favre said, "but I think prob-
ably it'll be much quicker than it has been in the past. I'm just going to try to enjoy this season we had as much as I can and try to block this game out. It's going to be very hard. I'm not going to let this game sway my decision one way or another."

This Super Bowl's story line was already written. Brett Favre and the Patriots. What a perfect contrast, the swashbuckling quarterback against cold, corporate perfection.

If this is the last we ever see of America's Quarterback, I'm guessing he'll eventually be OK with the ending.

The Packers lost because they could generate very little offensively in the fourth quarter and because Favre made a boneheaded mistake in overtime.

But he was doing what he has almost always done in those situations. He was playing fearlessly and joyously, and with the game on the line, he saw a play that really wasn't there.


No more like him
He's the last of the real quarterbacks, the one who refused to be mechanized by the systems and endless scouting reports. Favre has driven coaches crazy with his daring, but he always won their admiration with his heart.

He had to sling it on Sunday because the Giants shut down running back Ryan Grant. He'd rushed for 201 yards the previous weekend against Seattle but gained just 29 on Sunday. So it was on Favre.

To Favre, it was at times the same game he'd played in his backyard in Mississippi. That's one of the reasons so many people love him.

Through the years, we've seen him deal with an array of problems with dignity and courage. He was a lot of things, but phony wasn't one of
them.

The Packers were 14-4 this season, even though they had very little running game until Grant's emergence, depending until then on what Favre and a deep group of wide receivers could generate.

The Packers rushed for just 28 yards Sunday, but Favre kept them in it with two touchdown passes, including a beauty of a throw on what became a 90-yard connection with Donald Driver.

Favre was still firing at the end when he made the throw that Giants cornerback Corey Webster intercepted on the second play of overtime.

Once upon a time, I was in Mobile, Ala., and my boss called and told me to get over to Kiln, Miss., and do a story on Favre's family and hometown.

I telephoned his agent and asked for directions. He readily gave them to me, but when I asked if he'd phone ahead and tell them I was coming, he said no.

"Just show up," he said.

I did that, and Irv and Bonita Favre couldn't have been nicer. They showed me the home place, offered me food and drink, and told stories about their famous son for two hours. When I left, they gave detailed instructions on all other spots in town that had been important in Brett's life.


Numerous highs and lows
That story tells you something about Favre. He's the NFL's most popular player and perhaps the most popular in any sport. What you see is what you get.

Over the years, it seems we've been through it all with Favre. From personal issues to Irv's death to his wife's cancer, Favre has been through as many highs and lows as any professional athlete. He has always seemed genuine.

He talked and talked Sunday night about that final pass, about this improbable season and about looking inside himself to see if he's up for another rodeo. Here's hoping.

Listen to Richard Justice weekdays from 10 a.m.-noon on 1560 AM.


Best article on Brett so far....why he is moe than a legend more than a myth...he is the last of the gunslingers.... its why all the articles are asking as of late, what will the NFL be like with out him??? BORING. Grown men will cry when he retires...


Rick

[Ms_M]

If this is it, we were lucky to have Favre

You are so right about this. Not too many will tough it out like he has for as long as he has... Not too many have the talent to do it.

[frfksakes]

As a fellow 'almost 40,' I hope he doesn't retire.

He's fun for the sport, and he makes know-it-all pundits look bad, lol

Not bad on the eyes either, lol

I hate that it ended with that pass, though. He'll be sick about that one for a long time.

[Red13JoePa]

Not bad on the eyes either, lol

Ah, and there it is for you huh?

Hopefully for their fans the Packers make their qbing decisions on slightly more football-centric empirical data.

[frfksakes]

Not bad on the eyes either, lol

Ah, and there it is for you huh?

Hopefully for their fans the Packers make their qbing decisions on slightly more football-centric empirical data.

Lol, or hopefully 'for their fans' they keep finding talented QB's that just happen to be easy on the eyes!

Brady isn't bad either, lol.

[Rockindeano]

Not bad on the eyes either, lol

Ah, and there it is for you huh?

Hopefully for their fans the Packers make their qbing decisions on slightly more football-centric empirical data.

I don't get you. You seem to think GB has a better choice than perhaps the toughest, coolest greatest dude to ever take a snap. So what if he is nice on the eyes to the femmes. I think the guy is just great and he is great for the game of football, and a tremendous role model for kids.

Brett is the man.

[Luvsaugeri]

Thanks for the great article. I love Brett!! I get so tired of all the talking smack and show boating. Brett is the real deal. Class and dignity. He will be missed if he decides to retire.

[Ms_M]

As a fellow 'almost 40,' I hope he doesn't retire.

He's fun for the sport, and he makes know-it-all pundits look bad, lol

Not bad on the eyes either, lol

I hate that it ended with that pass, though. He'll be sick about that one for a long time.

My thought exactly. If the game had been lost any other way, he might be able to walk easily - or as easily as it would be for someone who loves to play as he does... Will be interesting to see what he decides to do.

[Red13JoePa]

Not bad on the eyes either, lol

Ah, and there it is for you huh?

Hopefully for their fans the Packers make their qbing decisions on slightly more football-centric empirical data.

I don't get you. You seem to think GB has a better choice than perhaps the toughest, coolest greatest dude to ever take a snap. So what if he is nice on the eyes to the femmes. I think the guy is just great and he is great for the game of football, and a tremendous role model for kids.

Brett is the man.

He's been sullying his great career since about 2002 until this season, fruitlessly hanging on trying to top Danny Franchise. Way I see it 02 03 04 05 and 06 were horrendous, pick-laden sub par years for him.

And he appled up BIG time last night. Looked like a cold old man looking for his bowl of porridge in the second half.

[frfksakes]

Not bad on the eyes either, lol

Ah, and there it is for you huh?

Hopefully for their fans the Packers make their qbing decisions on slightly more football-centric empirical data.

I don't get you. You seem to think GB has a better choice than perhaps the toughest, coolest greatest dude to ever take a snap. So what if he is nice on the eyes to the femmes. I think the guy is just great and he is great for the game of football, and a tremendous role model for kids.

Brett is the man.

Exactly! In fact, it's part of what's so attractive about him. He's not perfect, but he's great. He guts it out, he's a great person - he's just fun to watch.

[Rockindeano]

And he appled up BIG time last night. Looked like a cold old man looking for his bowl of porridge in the second half.

Dude, check yourself. GB rushed for 29 yds last night. He kept them in the game throughout.

Favre is a stud.

[Red13JoePa]

And he appled up BIG time last night. Looked like a cold old man looking for his bowl of porridge in the second half.

Dude, check yourself. GB rushed for 29 yds last night. He kept them in the game throughout.

Favre is a stud.

FrFksSakes could've put that last throw on more of a rope than that "stud."

[Rockindeano]

And he appled up BIG time last night. Looked like a cold old man looking for his bowl of porridge in the second half.

Dude, check yourself. GB rushed for 29 yds last night. He kept them in the game throughout.

Favre is a stud.

FrFksSakes could've put that last throw on more of a rope than that "stud."

And just how do you know if the route was wrong correctly or typically lazy as a lot of Wide outs do?

I will give Favre the benefit of the doubt.

[Enigma869]

I thought Favre had been just hanging on the past couple of seasons. The truth of the matter is that the guy was dreadful for a couple of seasons, throwing almost 50 interceptions in two seasons. I think Favre came out this season and had a great season and made much smarter decisions for his team. I am disappointed that he is already talking to the media about whether he is coming back or retiring (he made a statement less than a month ago that he was coming back)! As much as I like Favre, I could do without the annual "Should I stay, or should I go" tour! I've never seen an athlete who has annual news conferences about whether this is is last season or not! Now, "Brett Favre" disease has seemingly infected head coaches, like Tony Dungy and Mike Holmgren! When you retire, hold a press conference and say your goodbyes! Otherwise, SHUT THE FUCK UP


John from Boston

[lights1961]

I thought Favre had been just hanging on the past couple of seasons. The truth of the matter is that the guy was dreadful for a couple of seasons, throwing almost 50 interceptions in two seasons. I think Favre came out this season and had a great season and made much smarter decisions for his team. I am disappointed that he is already talking to the media about whether he is coming back or retiring (he made a statement less than a month ago that he was coming back)! As much as I like Favre, I could do without the annual "Should I stay, or should I go" tour! I've never seen an athlete who has annual news conferences about whether this is is last season or not! Now, "Brett Favre" disease has seemed to have infected Tony Dungy and Mike Holmgren! When you retire, hold a press conference and say your goodbyes! Otherwise, SHUT THE FUCK UP


John from Boston

favre was trying to make plays during those years... gunslinger...he had to take risks because those teams were so baaaaaaaaad.... he had no talent around him during some of those years... lets see how Brady feels when his teams turn lousy... If he still has the heart to play on... etc... the NFL WILL BE SOO BORING WITH OUT FAVRE.




Rick

[frfksakes]

And he appled up BIG time last night. Looked like a cold old man looking for his bowl of porridge in the second half.

Dude, check yourself. GB rushed for 29 yds last night. He kept them in the game throughout.

Favre is a stud.

FrFksSakes could've put that last throw on more of a rope than that "stud."

Not that you're being SEXIST!!! lol,
but I have a pretty good arm, thank you very much.

And, please! Even Tom Brady had some questionable moments yesterday. He just got away with it, and BF didn't.
One big reason - Eli Manning played the game of his life and left no room for BF to make mistakes. He was simply great.
Brady had all the room in the world to come back from mistakes - SD just didn't play their best.

As great as the Pats are, I think Eli & friends can take 'em. Maybe just wishful thinking, lol, but I don’t think so. They've have come together at the exact right moment and are just “on” right now. Can't wait to find out, lol!!!

[Red13JoePa]

I am disappointed that he is already talking to the media about whether he is coming back or retiring (he made a statement less than a month ago that he was coming back)! As much as I like Favre, I could do without the annual "Should I stay, or should I go" tour! I've never seen an athlete who has annual news conferences about whether this is is last season or not! Now, "Brett Favre" disease has seemed to have infected Tony Dungy and Mike Holmgren! When you retire, hold a press conference and say your goodbyes! Otherwise, SHUT THE FUCK UP


John from Boston

Said a mouthful there.

[conversationpc]

Now, "Brett Favre" disease has seemed to have infected Tony Dungy...

Nah...Dungy's standing agreement with the Colts over the last three years has been to evaluate whether he will stay with the team for the coming season after the end of the previous one. It was only made public that this was the case this year after his wife and children were moved back to Florida and Dungy was not the one to make it public.

[Enigma869]

favre was trying to make plays during those years... gunslinger...he had to take risks because those teams were so baaaaaaaaad.... he had no talent around him during some of those years... lets see how Brady feels when his teams turn lousy... If he still has the heart to play on... etc... the NFL WILL BE SOO BORING WITH OUT FAVRE.




Rick

Dude...we get it....You think Brett Favre is the greatest football player in the history of the NFL, and you're entitled to your opinion. Calling the guy a "gunslinger" doesn't make it okay for him to constantly throw to the wrong color jersey! As far as the Brady thing...you obviously don't know football! I'll tell you what...When you get some time, do yourself a favor and google the 2001, 2003, and 2004 Patriots' rosters, and tell me one single guy on ANY of those offensive teams that are going to the hall of fame (aside from Brady). Those are probably some of the WORST offensive teams, EVER, to win a championship! Brady has won three championships with NOBODY around him, on offense! He's won three championships with different running backs, different offensive linemen, and different receivers on all three teams! The guy won championships with Antowain Smith as a running back and the immortal David Patten, Bert Emanuel, Curtis Jackson, David Givens, and Bethel Johnson as wide receivers! I challenge you to find me one single QB who actually won a Super Bowl with less talented receivers(and the 2000 Baltimore Ravens don't count, because they couldn't score an offensive TD to save their life and only scored one in the Super Bowl)!

As far as Favre is concerned, the only different offensive guy on his roster this season is Ryan Grant, and they didn't start running the ball until the end of the season. He had the same receivers and offensive line this season as he did last season! You just need to take the fucking cheese off your head and admit when a guy sucks! Brady was TERRIBLE yesterday, and you're not going to hear me babble about how awesome he was and what a "gunslinger" he was. He made idiotic decisions and threw three incerceptions, that could have cost his team a victory! There is NEVER any excuse for that, no matter what your name is! Favre is a very good player, who has had a very good career. I also think he's a first ballot hall of famer. Just don't tell me he's the best QB to ever live, because nobody outside of the state of Wisconsin believes that!


John from Boston

[Enigma869]

Nah...Dungy's standing agreement with the Colts over the last three years has been to evaluate whether he will stay with the team for the coming season after the end of the previous one. It was only made public that this was the case this year after his wife and children were moved back to Florida and Dungy was not the one to make it public.

First of all...that's not true. There was PLENTY of speculation last year, even after the Colts won the Super Bowl about whether or not Tony Dungy was coming back to coach the Colts. If you remember, his kid committed suicide and many people thought he probably wasn't coming back to football. Listen, I have nothing against Dungy, and my heart breaks for the guy for the loss of his son. I wouldn't wish anything that horrible, on ANY parent. That said, I really don't need to hear that Jim Caldwell is the coach in waiting for Indianapolis, that Jason Garrett is the coach in waiting for the Cowboys, and that Jim Mora Jr. is the coach in waiting for the Seahawks! What the hell happened to the good old days (Like 4 years ago) when organizations waited until one coach left, before hiring the next one! It's pretty ridiculous that I already know who the next three head coaches are of teams that already have coaches!


John from Boston

[conversationpc]

First of all...that's not true. There was PLENTY of speculation last year, even after the Colts won the Super Bowl about whether or not Tony Dungy was coming back to coach the Colts. If you remember, his kid committed suicide and many people thought he probably wasn't coming back to football. Listen, I have nothing against Dungy, and my heart breaks for the guy for the loss of his son. I wouldn't wish anything that horrible, on ANY parent.

I didn't say that there wasn't any speculation after last year. However, was it known last year that the standing agreement with the Colts and Dungy was that he'd decide if he wanted to stay at the end of each season? Did he hold a press conference specifically to milk the situation last year? I don't remember because I don't typically follow this post season crap. Anyway, I got the idea that the only reason they made a big deal out of this year was because, two weeks ago, it was made known that he hadn't decided if he was coming back or not.

[Enigma869]

However, was it known last year that the standing agreement with the Colts and Dungy was that he'd decide if he wanted to stay at the end of each season? Did he hold a press conference specifically to milk the situation last year?

To answer your questions....YES and YES! Like I said...I have nothing against Tony Dungy. he seems like a genuinely decent human being. I just can't take all these coaches babbling, endlessly, about whether or not they're returning for the next season that they have a SIGNED CONTRACT to return for!


John from Boston

[Angiekay]

Not bad on the eyes either, lol

OMG...I think I just threw up a little in my mouth...BLECH!

Having a Deano moment here: I think Favre needs to set those old balls on the couch on Sundays. Give it up gramps!!

[RPM]

From Chi-town here and we beat brett both times we played him this year and we suck....lol....but really
he had a great year ,but the second game we played him it was bitterly cold and he looked like he did
not want to be out there in it, like it really bothered him, our THIRD string quarterback Kyle orton
outplayed him, I seen that same look in the third quarter and knew he was done. I think he would
have given the Patriots a good game in arizona, but he cannot take the cold weather any longer.

Ray

[conversationpc]

However, was it known last year that the standing agreement with the Colts and Dungy was that he'd decide if he wanted to stay at the end of each season? Did he hold a press conference specifically to milk the situation last year?

To answer your questions....YES and YES! Like I said...I have nothing against Tony Dungy. he seems like a genuinely decent human being. I just can't take all these coaches babbling, endlessly, about whether or not they're returning for the next season that they have a SIGNED CONTRACT to return for!


John from Boston

Some of those signed contracts allow the coach or the team to terminate the contract before the end of the term, if one side so chooses. My guess is that's the case with Dungy's contract.

[Gin and Tonic Sky]

Even as a Viking fan (and therefore a Pack hater by nature) I have to pay homage to Bret Farve, great quarterback. period.

[Red13JoePa]

Calling the guy a "gunslinger" doesn't make it okay for him to constantly throw to the wrong color jersey!

[NealIsGod]

I hope Favre comes back one more time. That last game was not how he wanted to go out. The sub-zero temps didn't even seem to bother Eli, but Brett seemed like he would rather be anywhere but on that field. When the game went into OT, I had a feeling Brett would blow it. He just wasn't himself all day.

[Red13JoePa]

I hope Favre comes back one more time. That last game was not how he wanted to go out.

Dude, it can't be all about him.
Prior to this pro-bowl level season he's like 5 regressive years to go out on.
Enough.

[NealIsGod]

I hope Favre comes back one more time. That last game was not how he wanted to go out.

Dude, it can't be all about him.
Prior to this pro-bowl level season he's like 5 regressive years to go out on.
Enough.

Yeah, but he's Brett Favre. NFL royalty.