Is it really true? As a lifelong Vikings fan, I couldn’t help but feel a little giddy at the big breaking news of the day as reported on ESPN’s “Mike & Mike” radio show Tuesday morning–Green Bay Packers legendary QB Brett Favre has finally decided to hang it up. Though it was recently reported that Favre had said he was willing to come back for another couple of years if the Packers signed free agent receiver Randy Moss (who just last night signed a 3-year deal to go back to the New England Patriots), today he apparently told the team he was simply worn out, both mentally and physically, and he’s “just tired”–isn’t that timing a bit of a coincidence?
So after an amazing (and surprising) 2007 in which he broke Dan Marino’s career records for most touchdown passes and most yards passing, and John Elway’s record for most career victories by a starting quarterback, the man who’s completed more passes than anyone in history will let that last throw–an interception in the NFC Championship game that set up the NY Giants’ winning field goal–stand as his final toss. Or will he?
The three-time MVP and 1997 Super Bowl champion has started every game since taking over as the Packers starting QB in 1992 . Until this whole off-season passes and I see Aaron Rogers lining up behind center in the first regular season game of 2008 at Lambeau Field, I remain skeptical about life without Brett in the NFC North. And I certainly won’t be shedding any tears if it really is the end of an era. He’s broken the hearts of Minnesota fans way too many times over the past 16 years.
–Matthew
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