Why is Favre back?
Published 11:59 pm Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Let’s say that it’s February 2010 and the Minnesota Vikings have finished their first season with Brett Favre as quarterback. Two months later, he retires for a third time.
That’s likely going to happen. Tuesday, Favre announced he was going to come out of retirement (for a second time) to play for the Vikings.
Many Green Bay Packers fans have speculated where Favre will go in his predictable return, but they never guessed this one.
Personally, I’m sick and tired of hearing the same old song with a different tune.
I’d like for Favre to stay retired because even though he is 39 years old, he’s pushing it with his arm becoming increasingly fatigued.
The Vikings sent over a private jet Tuesday to pick up Favre before his signing, and then a few hours later the headlines started pouring in, saying that Favre has come back to the National Football League.
I wasn’t surprised at all, but I was surprised to read the contract the Vikings gave him.
Favre’s team will pay him $12 million in his first year and $13 million next season, according to ESPN.com.
There is a catch though. Even though Favre is a vested veteran in the NFL, the $12 million will be only be paid to him if he is on the opening day roster.
And, also there is a $6 million fee for him if he plays poorly in the first few games of the season and the Vikings want to get out of the contract.
So, is his old, fatigued arm worth that much at his age?
I may be the only one to have such an opinion, but Favre is a great player. His record goes to show that he can come back and any team will accept him.
He is the only player that has won the AP Most Valuable Player award three times. He also led the Packers to seven division championships, four NFC Championship games — winning two in 1996 and 1997, and two Super Bowl appearances — winning one in Super Bowl XXXI.
In addition, Favre holds many NFL career records, including 464 touchdown passes, 65,127 passing yards and 5,720 pass completions.
From the looks of it, he’s definitely qualified to keep playing the game he loves. I just don’t want to see him retire “again, again and again,” as that Aerosmith song says.
Good luck this year Favre, you’re going to need it. But either way, you’re getting a great deal.