by Marcus Brooks

Created on: February 02, 2009

THE RISE AND FALL OF TEAM OBLITERATOR

In 1991, the Atlanta Falcons drafted a slinging quarterback from Southern Mississippi. On Day Two, a 6'2, 210 pound some-odd named Brett Favre arrived in the NFL. However, head coach, Dan Reeves traded his young QB during the offseason.

By the following year, Mr. Favre arrived in Green Bay, Wisconsin. At the same time, a disciple of San Francisco coaching guru, Bill Walsh came into camp. Mike Holmgren took on the job of leading his Green Bay Packers. He hoped that mentoring his young signal-caller would lead to postseason success.

Since being a Packer, Favre has played the media. In their eyes, he did no wrong. He played professional football as a happy-go-lucky, little kid. He slung passes from his hip, his knees and off-balance. He "mastered" the underhanded flip pass. His "rubber arm" made countless highlights on ESPN's Sportscenter.

But, his showstopping ways butted heads with Holmgren. He frustrated Coach Holmgren by playing outside the team concept. From 1992-1995, Favre's teams played well during the regular season, but struggled in the playoffs. Favre racked up touchdowns by the dozens each year. But, he also racked costly interceptions and fumbles. He played schizophrenic so much that his coach considered benching him. On several occasions, both quarterback and coach argued along the sidelines. Favre repeatedly tested his team's patience.

After four seasons of playoff futility, the Packers captured their Superbowl title. In 1997, they defeated Bill Parcells' New England Patriots. The next year, they faced an incomprobable, John Elway and his Denver Broncos. In a classic matchup, they lost their chance to repeat as Superbowl champions.

From that point, Favre made Holmgren's life a living hell. His erratic play created more locker-room tension. It was later revealed that he suffered from an addiction to alcohol and pain killers. For the next decade, Packer coaches came in and left. Holmgren left. Then came Ray Rhodes. After him, Mike Sherman took over. When he departed, a youthful, Mike McCarthy arrived. Despite Green Bay's coaching carousel, Favre won two more MVP (Most Valuable Player) awards and racked up over 450 passing touchdowns. He also has never missed an NFL game.

Unfortunately, Favre didn't just play for his team. He played for himself. He refused to sit out when he got injured. Broken hands, separated shoulders and bruised limbs never made him take a break. He played injured and did so badly. His ineffectiveness

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