Make up your mind, bite your lip, go out and make your statement with fury and passion, and accept the results of your decision.
Favre was the John Wayne of the NFL- the reckless cowboy who would take to the field guns'a'blazin and always seemed to make the impossible possible. Give or take a few unforced interceptions and a sack here and there. And yet, now two months into retirement, Favre has morphed into a whole new character- a shy, unsure, and indecisive media mess.
ESPN reported on Friday that while The Green Bay Packers and Brett Favre were publicly remaining quiet on reports that the quarterback is reconsidering his decision to retire, there is much work being done behind the scenes. A WTMJ-TV news report from Milwaulke broke the story that Favre sent a text message to Packers GM Ted Thompson and that the two men are to sit down and have a discussion at a later date. Sports Illustrated reported on its website that Favre had also discussed the potential desire to return with coach Mike McCarthy, but talks had not advanced to a substantive stage, according to a Packers source.
I see two problems.
What Farve is doing to the Packers organization is very unfair. In 2007, Green Bay went 13-3 and won the NFC North. They were one interception away from capturing the NFC Championship and going on to challenge New England in the Superbowl. As much as Favre meant to that organization, he needs to understand that they can and will be successful without him. Aaron Rodgers was drafted in 2005 and all he's gotten since joining an organization with the most deeply rooted traditions in all of sports is about eight pounds of dust collected on his jersey and helmet and chinstrap from a lack of use. This on-again off-again waiting game that Favre has been playing with the Packers for the last three years needs to stop. Favre's problem is that he wants to quit before his heart does. He's torn. He has retired, un retired, and retired again all in the past few off-seasons. I would argue that the biggest trouble with having NOTHING to do is . . . not being able to tell when you're done. Favre meant too much to the game of football to put himself into the category of "didn't know when to stop" athletes. He should leave the game with his pride and dignity and not push fate. Too many have tried and failed at this; Jerry Rice's short stint with the Broncos as a 3rd string wideout and his weakened attempt to join Seattle before being cut is a perfect example. Take some time off. Go fishing. Do some Levi's Jeans ads. Maybe join the Monday Night Football crew and let Madden bust his nut all over the broadcast booth.
Green Bay shouldn't allow this to happen, either. The only thing they are accomplishing by being quiet is adding to the growing media speculation that Favre will return. Come out and make a statement! Here, I'll even write it for you. "The Green Bay Packers and Brett Favre have been a longstanding and successful team in the NFL for the past sixteen seasons. We are saddened by his decision to retire but understand all the factors that go into making such an important choice in Brett's life. We fully support him and invite him to take a position in our front office in the near future. The Packers organization is committed to improving our team with our current roster as well as via the draft and free agency, and we look forward to the future play of our young talent." There. That wasn't hard.
Please Brett, listen when I say that the gradually declining years are among the sweetest in a man's life. You have nothing left to prove. And trust me, while the money's no better in retirement, the hours sure are. Just think about how many more nights you will sleep easy not having to worry about Dwight Freeney flattening you into the 50 yard line logo.
After all, that's Aaron's problem now.
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