My First 'Sports Opinion' Piece: Brett Favre

Whelp, 'Favre Watch 2010' is over, and as I'm sure most of you know, ended with Brett back in Minnesota. ...Le sigh.

It's not that he's playing for the Viking's again, honestly, it's not. I've still got my green and gold '4 Brett Favre Dr' sign hanging in my office at home. I mean, of course last season felt like a punch in the face, but this season I think the whole saga just passed the point of ridiculousness.

He had, statistically, one of the best seasons of his career last season - no one can deny that. Of course he would want to continue that, anyone would. But playing at the cost of your reputation, is that worth it?

Brett's been singing this retirement tune since 2002, and why wouldn't he? Look at all the attention he gets! ESPN practically had 24-hour coverage, and it made Mike & Mike look like a couple of gossiping 80-year old women (although one could argue they've always been that way).

But let's take a step back and look at what last season cost him. Almost the entire state of Wisconsin loathed him, and he even got boo'ed at Lambeau (which is truly hard to acheive). A state, mind you, who used to depecit him in photos like this:

Fast forward to this season, and he was singing the same song: "My ankle's injured, I don't know if my body is healthy enough to play...I'm a no good, lousy traitor." (OK maybe that last part isn't entirely true, and maybe there is still some bad blood there.)

While thinking you might not be healthy enough to play is an extremely valid concern, I think the fact of the matter is that these decisions need to be made before training camp begins. The team needs to know who their starting QB will be, whose lead they will follow. They need to get comfortable with his style, get comfortable with new plays, and overall just create a general team camaraderie and trust. Brett Favre may not need training camp from a performance standpoint, but his teammates certainly need to see him there.

And the fact that three players needed to fly out and grovel at his feet for his return, doesn't show a great commitment on Brett's part to the team. In all honesty, I think Favre is playing for Favre. He wants another Superbowl ring for himself, and could care less about the team.

All in all, Brett may be still be a great QB, but his word and his reputation are going up in flames. And at the end of the day, I think a quarterback who is considered one of the best to play the game AND keeps his integrity is remembered a hell of a lot more fondly than one who destroys his off-field reputation.

As for me, I'll always fondly remember Brett for the years he gave us in Green Bay. I mean, he was the only Packers quarterback I really knew, considering he started with the team when I was in the first grade.

But I'll tell you this, I'm hella glad we've got Aaron Rodgers' steady arm. He's got ah-mazing potential, and is dedicated to the team. It will defintely be a most interesting season.

GO PACK GO!