Favre Happens Amidst Packers’ Plans

Aaron Rodgers was sliding. The Green Bay Packers draft choice was imminent. Given, Rodgers’ immense prowess, the Packers selected the California quarterback. Their decision was merely preemptive. Brett Favre was aging. His retirement would not occur tomorrow. Yet, retirement was a daunting possibility. This scenario transpired three years ago.

On Friday, Favre announced his return next season. Following an 8-8 season, he declared rejuvenation. "I am so excited about coming back," Favre said. "We have a good nucleus of young players. We were 8-8 last year and that's encouraging. My offensive line looks good, the defense played good down the stretch. I'm excited about playing for a talented young football team."

Rodgers is talented. He was a projected top ten selection. He possesses both physical skills and game knowledge. With that stated, he is not Favre. Favre resurrected Green Bay’s franchise. Favre won a Super Bowl. Favre has won multiple most valuable player awards. Despite these accomplishments, most franchises would discard him. They would shed him as fossilized garbage. This will not be Favre’s fate.

Favre is legend. He is the existing equivalent of a Vince Lombardi Packer. He has survived injuries, drug addition, and family adversity. He has never missed a Sunday. He has ignored pain. He has prospered in anguish. Favre has earned the decision to exit.

The trend is younger. Society values youth. NFL franchises seek and covet youth. Eventually, Rodgers will start. However, he will never replace Favre. Favre is grit and toughness. Favre is Green Bay’s franchise. Ultimately, he will exit. Not before choosing to leave.