Revisionist History

All those that kicked and screamed like little children when Ted Thompson shipped out Brett Favre, please step forward.  It’s high time you receive your verbal whooping.

Don't Look Now

What have the teams that had Favre over the last three years gained?  The Jets got a text message scandal and 22 interceptions in a 9-7 year.  The Vikings got one drama-free good year, but ultimately Favre threw the decisive interception in the NFC Championship Game.  They also got this year, one of the most dramatic, disappointing, devastating years any franchise in team sports has recently endured.  Favre has managed to handicap this team from a salary standpoint, attract an unbelievable amount of negative attention, split the locker room, and get his head coach and chauffeur fired, Brad Childress—a coach, by the way, who the Vikings still have to pay $6.6 million to over the next two years.

And oh yeah, he’s played horribly.  Favre is on pace to tie his personal best of 27 interceptions in one season, and he’s thrown in a basket full of fumbles for good measure.  Tarvaris Jackson’s confidence is likely broken, and the “Fire Childress” chant that rang out during Sunday’s game against Green Bay was one of the most despicable, classless moments I have seen in sports this year.  In other words, Favre’s quest for personal glory has completely ravaged the Minnesota Vikings franchise, not just their season.  Favre’s hubris has left numerous individuals destroyed in its wake, like his wife, Childress, Jackson, Zygi Wilf, and every fan in Minnesota.

Payback's a Bitch

Meanwhile, have you seen what Aaron Rodgers is doing?  He threw for 4,000 yards in each of his first two seasons as a starter, which has never been done before, and led the Packers to the playoffs last year.  He looks poised to take the Pack deep into the postseason again this year.  And, for those that shout about how Rodgers’ numbers are nice but Favre was the better winner, over the first two and a half seasons of their starting tenure, Rodgers and Favre had the exact same record (prior to Green Bay’s victory over Minnesota Sunday).  In that same period, Rodgers threw for 73 touchdowns and 29 interceptions while Favre threw for 57 and 45.  And, oh wait, Favre is having an abysmal season at age 41 while Rodgers is still ascending at age 26.  You idiot Thompson, we could have had three mediocre years with Favre and tossed away our future with Rodgers, and instead you had the audacity to ensure that the Packers will be contending for the next ten years.  What a jerk!

Some might argue that Favre is the better player because of his career numbers.  Pardon my French, but no shit.  Maybe when Rodgers has played twenty seasons we can compare.  One number that does provide a comparison though is career quarterback rating.  So far Rodgers has posted a 97 while Favre’s career rating sits at 86.

If you want to call Favre a great winner, tread lightly.  He only made the Super Bowl twice in twenty years and won only once.  Favre was more adept at derailing his team in the playoffs than leading them.  In both of his last two appearances in the NFC Title Game, Favre threw the crucial, game-losing interception.  He also has a few 5- or 6-interception playoff games with Green Bay.  Thanks for the memories Brett.

As for pure leadership, Favre deserves an “F” for the last half of his career.  He gorged himself on his image as a legend.  He hijacked the Packers franchise his past three seasons their by waffling about whether or not he would return, then retired, came back, and whined about how Green Bay moved on without him.  Then he moved to the Jets where teammates complained about Favre’s elitist behavior and poor play.  Then of course, he single-handedly annihilated the Minnesota Vikings.

Moving On

All the while, you don’t hear anything from Rodgers.  What you do hear are his teammates raving about how down to earth and how well liked he is.  All you see is Rodgers throwing a beautiful ball, making plays with his legs, and playing like the best quarterback in the NFL.

In short, Brett, you are getting everything you deserve.  You are no longer going to retire with the unblemished, iconic reputation you left Green Bay with.  You will be remembered partly for your toughness and longevity, but you will also be remembered as a self-adoring pervert, philanderer, bad teammate, turnover machine, overall poor sport, and a first class jerk.  Go away Brett, but for once, don’t make it about you.  You no longer have the chance to quit while you’re ahead.  For your benefit and ours, just disappear and let us forget about you for a while.

 

--from Adam

(all images from zimbio.com)