Fourth Estate Newspaper

Issue date: 3/27/08 Section: Fourth Mistake

Media Credit: Matt Becker After 17 days, Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre decided to return to the NFL. At his press conference, Favre talked about the mental boredom of not playing football for more than two weeks.

Media Credit: Matt Becker

Media Credit: Matt Becker

Citing mental boredom after 17 days as a retired NFL player, former Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre officially came out of retirement March 23.
"Seems like just yesterday we were here," Favre said, opening Sunday's unexpected press conference with a smile.
Favre didn't have many people to thank in his short time in retirement. That didn't stop him from thanking everyone from the old man who sleeps behind his daughter's high school to the man who washes his balls when he goes golfing and the gardener at his Mississippi home.
"I needed to throw the ball to someone," Favre said. "(The gardener) was always there even if he was busy with the weeds."
At his retirement press conference, Favre went to great lengths to discuss his relationship with and appreciation for the fans. He once again acknowledged his loyal fans Sunday.
"I know all the fans will be happy that I'm coming back next year," Favre said. "I knew they were always behind me, but the big difference was all the groups on Facebook telling me to stay. That really swayed me to come back next year."
The question every one of the more than 100 media members in attendance had on their minds was simple: Why was Favre coming back when he adamantly stated he'd never renege on his decision to retire.
"Deanna and I talked a lot over these last few weeks," Favre said. "She told me, a few different times, that it seemed like I'd lost the pep in my step, as they say. We figured it was time to make sure all that football was out of my system."
That wasn't the only reason Favre gave for making his surprising return from retirement.
"The last time we were here, I said it'd be hard to be away from the camaraderie in the locker room with the guys," Favre said. "That was part of (coming back), too. Now I can tell Aaron (Rodgers) that he doesn't need a haircut like everyone keeps telling him."
Favre once again avoided speculation on the fate of the Packers in 2008 but did clear up his intentions for his 18th NFL season.
"I said it before and I'll say it again: this isn't about records, Favre said. "I just want to come back and have some more fun. I'd love to get to the Super Bowl, and I think we have the pieces in place to do that, but I just want to make this season a fun season for me, for the team and for the fans."
Rodgers, who was available for comment after Favre left the stage, had no gripes with Favre's return from retirement.
"I was excited to be the starter, but having Brett back is going to help us out, no doubt," Rodgers said. "With Brett Favre under center, you guys know anything can happen."
The fourth-year quarterback had no ill will toward Favre for essentially putting Rodgers back on the bench.
"When it's my time, I'll step in," Rodgers said. "Until then, I'll keep practicing hard and continue to learn."
Until his permanent retirement, Favre will be under center to continue his consecutive starts streak, keeping die-hard Packers fans hoping for a run at Super Bowl XLIII.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools