Opinion: Brett Favre, More than just a Quarterback

I cried, I truly did.

After 17 seasons in the National Football League, Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre decided to finally hang up the towel and retire. It was unexpected; we all thought the man would exit on top of the football podium with his arms raised in triumph. However this was not the way he wanted to go, and to be honest, he didn’t need to go out that way. This is because Favre is more than just an NFL quarterback; He is an American icon, a legend.

He was the player everyone loved to watch and everyone hated to play against. People knew with Favre on the field, there was always a chance to win. He was the player little kids imagined to be when they played pick up games in the backyard. He was Wisconsin’s hope to bring a Super Bowl back home. He was the blue-collared man’s hero on Sundays.

But what made him so popular? Why did so many people enjoy watching him, even if you were not a fan of the Packers? The answer was because he exemplified the American dream.

Favre went to college at Southern Mississippi, which is not a perennial powerhouse in the college football world. They wanted to start him as a defensive back, but Favre had plans of his own to play quarterback, and he shined. Unranked Southern Mississippi beat a 6th ranked Florida State with Favre leading the charge. He led a game winning drive with six-and-a-half to play, scoring with just 23 seconds left. Things were never better for the quarterback.

It during his senior year that Favre was involved with a near fatal car crash. After all of this trauma, Favre led the Eagles past powerhouse Alabama just six weeks later. Alabama head coach Gene Stallings called Favre “larger than life” that day. He was far from done.

Favre was drafted 33rd overall by the Atlanta Falcons (2nd Round). He would be traded after one season. It was then Favre would begin his legacy. For 16 straight seasons, he played for the Green Bay Packers setting the coveted record of most career touchdowns passes with 442, most career passing yards with 61,655, most career completions with 5,377 and other records. He took home the best award of all in 1996, a Super Bowl ring. His accomplishments where not just records, but hope for others.

Favre was the American dream when it came to football. He started from little as a quarterback and gained the respect he deserved. Unlike many football players, he always gave 100 percent to the game, to the team, and to the fans. ESPN Radio analyst Colin Cowherd mentioned in 2006 “…On the other side of the field, Brett Favre, legend, bad team, doesn’t have to prove anything to anybody, not going to the playoffs, maybe his last game. He plays his butt off for four quarters, like he’s done for 15 straight years, and leaves it all out on the field”

Cowherd could not be more right. Green Bay fans knew their team always stood a chance, because Favre was leading the drive. In his years of college and professional football, he never quit.

He was an unsung hero. He rarely addressed the media with “trash talk” towards other opponents. It was a parent’s dream to show their kids that the best players in the NFL spoke with actions, not words. Favre let his talent and his leadership speak for itself, and for over a decade and a half, I was blessed to watch the legend in action.

Favre, in essence, was to football like Cal Ripken was to baseball. They were both legends, they both played as hard as they could every time they stepped out on the field. They played for years telling the younger talent to wait their turn. They both were quiet to the media about the game that they played. They showed Americans what real athletes were.

Sure, critics said Favre didn’t know when to quit, they said he also led the NFL in career interceptions, and they said he hurt Green Bay in his later years.

Favre’s refusal to quit made him so special, and made fans in Green Bay think there was always a chance. Sure, Favre did lead the NFL in career interceptions, but he never gave up, he always continued to try to win. Lastly, Favre may have led a few bad seasons near the end. However, his last year and his career said otherwise.

There have been few moments when the world of sports has truly mourned a player’s retirement. However, on March 5th, we had to see a legend go. You will always be remembered as a hard worker, and a man who would do anything to win without the talk. I will look forward to seeing #4 raised high in Lambeau Field. As a fan of sports, thank you for 17 years of playing football. It may not mean much to some, but for those who thought about giving up at anytime. We could see your strength and courage on and off the field.

Thanks Brett.