Excuse me if I act indifferent to this non-story because in truth, I couldn't care less. On the interest meter, this annual Favre saga barely registers with this writer. I chose not to be duped any longer. We've revisited this topic so often it has become old hat and boring. Worse yet, it has the feel of a sham. We've been down this road so often, one gets the sense that the public is getting jerked around and played for a bunch of fools. How many times has Favre hinted at saying goodbye, only to reverse field and return to the fold like some conquering hero?
Buy into this shell game if you wish but I've had my fill of it! It has become tiresome and predictable. Favre has cried wolf so many times he has lost all credibility. If this were a game of poker, I'd call Favre's bluff.
You see, I'm convinced Favre will be back next season, no ands, ifs or buts. You can take it to the bank. It's more certain than death and taxes. What's more, I'm sure Favre already knows he'll be under center in '08 which makes this whole will-he, won't-he scenario all the more disingenuous.
Maybe Favre is an addicted publicity hound who loves having his name bandied about during the off-season. Maybe he wants everyone from the Green Bay organization, to the media, to the Packer faithful to swear their undying adoration for him and plead on bended knee that he not walk away. Or maybe he just enjoys keeping people guessing.
Whatever the reason, the stubbled quarterback has worked this angle into a well rehearsed act. But it's an act whose self life is rapidly expiring. In other words, it has gotten awfully stale.
In recent years, we've seen Favre tear up at season's end and get mighty emotional like some overwrought diva.This is definitely it, you surmise, as you gaze at his moist and overcome face. Why else would he get so worked up unless he was planning to say adios and ride off into the sunset?
After all, Favre's just too genuine to ever deceive, mislead or hoodwink anyone, right? He must be done. Those feelings he's showcasing just have to be heartfelt.
But then, after what seems like an interminable amount of time in most cases, Favre dramatically decides, like some Shakespearian thespian, to keep on going. When he does, Packer nation breaths a big sigh of relief. Meanwhile, I yawn loudly and wonder what else is new?
Only Favre himself know with complete certitude if he's seriously wrestling with the idea of retirement or just stringing people along. But I'll go on record with this contention. No matter what blarney he's dealing out for public consumption, I'm confident Favre's already made up his mind which way he's headed and not to reveal it now only serves to fuel more mindless speculation. But maybe that's what he wants. Perhaps he relishes having his status hashed and rehashed over and over again.
There are just too many compelling reasons for Favre to answer the call for an 18th NFL season. To begin with, he's surrounded by a promising young team that has an emerging stud in running back Ryan Grant, gifted receivers like Donald Driver and Greg Jennings and a very sturdy offensive line. The Packers are an ascending squad that very well could dominate the league's NFC's North division for the foreseeable future. Generally, a QB doesn't turn his back on that type of set-up.
In addition, Favre appears to have emerged from this last season physically sound so the 38-year-old's health doesn't appear to be any sort of issue or factor.
Moreover, Favre enjoyed his best year in recent memory by firing 28 TDs and finishing with a quarterback rating (95.7) that placed him sixth overall. Favre is simply not the type who'll depart after such a redemptive campaign. If Favre is convinced he can compete at a competent level, the only way he bails out is if someone rips off his #4 jersey from his back!
No, he's not going anywhere! The die has been cast and the decision has been made. Favre will return for another tour of duty in Green Bay. Big surprise, huh? Yeah, as shocking as the sun coming up tomorrow morn.
So Brett, stop the charade. Enough with the play-acting. Quit the mystery man routine. Fess up and reveal what you already know. Tell the masses that you'll be front and center in '08. Let it be known that you still believe you can extract a little more magic from that well limbered right arm of yours. Put all the supposition to rest. For God's sake, just get it over with and say you're playing.
You've worked this same old routine long enough!