So, Brett Favre is back for another year with the Minnesota Vikings. I’d like to say, “Wow what a shock…it’s unbelievable.” In reality, I think that a tweet by Trey Wingo (Baylor University Graduate) of ESPN says it all, “Favre coming back: in related news...sun sets in west tonight.”
So apparently the story goes that three Vikings (Jared Allen, Ryan Longwell, and Steve Hutchinson) flew down to Hattiesburg, Mississippi to meet Brett Favre. They showed up (apparently unannounced) at the Favre’s doorstep. But don’t you deep down inside think that Favre was watching ESPN News and knew that they were “reportedly” on their way down south? I have this notion in my head that Allen showed up carrying gold, Longwell frankincense, and Hutchinson myrrh. Maybe not, the notion of Jared Allen being a Magi is just plain funny. Okay, maybe not. Instead was there begging and stroking of the great ego over the steak dinner and long drives around Favre’s property. Did Favre suddenly have clarity while passing the A1 steak sauce to Ryan Longwell? Was it when Jared Allen quietly whispered, “You complete me” or when Steve Hutchinson emotionally stormed out to the patio and shouted, “Damn it, Brett, don’t quit us.”
Then the media circus started with aerial shots of the plane, the SUV, Favre walking holding a bag, a white bronco (oops, wrong circus). Rachel Nichols of ESPN tweeted, “Internet on the plane to Minnesota. Odd to be on a plane, watching video of someone getting off a plane, shot by someone in a helicopter.” Says it all, doesn’t it? Nobody, outside of runaway felons, gets the coverage that Favre does and he loves every single minute of it.
Yes, Favre gives the Vikings the best shot at a successful playoff season and maybe the Super Bowl. Yes, he doesn’t need training camp after 20 years in the league. Yes, he is an all time great. Yes, the NFL is better with him in the league. And, yes, he had a great season last year (4,202 yards, 33 TD and 7 INTS). But the fact is that the NFC North is better, the NFC is better, and Favre is a year older with another ankle surgery (number 3) behind him.
As I write this I’m listening to Favre’s press conference. As a Packers fan, I have spent years listening to his press conferences and without a doubt Favre sounds like he is still trying to convince himself of his “slumber party” decision. He says he came back because of the “great group of guys” in the locker room. He said the decision was really about the team, doing a “favor”, and he “owes it to the organization.” He never said that he is doing it because he wants to or he has unfinished business. His body language and voice scream, “I’m not sure.” The only emphatic statement that he made was that he didn't "want to fail.” That has to instill confidence in the Viking faithful.
Is he mentally committed to playing another year? I’m not convinced. Is his heart really in it? Does he really want to be back? I’m not sure because he is not sure. What happens when he gets drilled by linebacker, Clay Matthews of the Packers, will his “favor” to his teammates feel as good then? We know what happens when athletes aren’t mentally committed to the task at hand. They either play poorly or they get hurt. More times than not, it is the latter. So Vikings fans, the Vikings, and Coach Brad Childress be careful what you wish for…
Through My Head: Random Musing
Great tweet by Adam Schefter of ESPN, he tweeted, “Planned to retire after that bus trip but ESPN sent @Chris_Broussard, @Buster_ESPN and @erinandrews to talk me out of it. Worked, too.” Seriously, funny. I guess we all need someone to fly across the country, make us feel loved and secure, and then eat steak with us. It must be in our DNA.
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