25 of 37

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

Championship game - a fitting ending for the all-time interception leader...

But should Brett Favre have retired? Especially knowing that this team was one turn of luck away from Super Bowl XLII, and playing as well as he did in his final season, many are second-guessing Favre's decision to hang up the cleats. Too often we see haggard has-beens dragging themselves back onto the football field - out of pride, out of perceived duty, or simply because they did not invest their prime paychecks wisely. Favre realized that, after several seasons of agony, he finally had a fitting ending to an illustrious career...

Favre could easily continue playing and playing well. But one must have the desire not merely to play, but to put in the film study and the practice and the training to remain fit, physically and mentally, enough to endure the grind of an NFL season. Brett simply didn't want to do that anymore. Brett knows he is still capable of doing the film-study and the practicing and deal with the stress... but he knows he no longer wants to do so. In the end, it is not a matter of desire for Favre... it is a matter of desire for the greater Packer family to see him play. Favre rescued Packer fans from the ignominy of Majkowski, and they fear a reprise. But Favre cannot suit up in green and gold forever...

After a while, a person gets tired of the routine, of the drain which comes from the daily grind. Most of us don't have the benefit of calling it a career at age 38... most NFL players never even make it to 38 still in the league. The reality is that we shouldn't want someone out there who has no desire to put in the full effort. If Favre says he has no wish to continue the daily toil of being an NFL quarterback, no one should wish for him to second-guess himself. If he did return, we would have a risk situation on hand. It is far more likely that he would get injured if he was not totally focused on his job, and that would tarnish his legacy far more than premature retirement. He has withstood past hits... but one off-balance drive into the turf can turn even an iron man like Favre into another Kevin Everett-type story...

Favre didn't get his chance to go out on the very top... but he proved once more that he could still sling it successfully in the NFL. Without a willingness to put in even MORE effort than last year, Favre knew that he couldn't replicate that season to his satisfaction... because teams are reawakened to his ability. He is leaving successfully, having taken the youngest team in the NFL to the NFC Championship game... and he has earned his right to ride off into the sunset unguided by anyone but Favre. Only Favre could make the choice for himself... and all us Packer fans will debate that choice. Favre made the right move for FAVRE... he has given Green Bay & the NFL enough of himself already. Rather than acting as though he OWES us something, we should give thanks for all the great games and seasons we were blessed to have Number Four lining up under center...

Learn more about this author, Zach Bigalke.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about NFL talk: Brett Favre and retirement?
We want to hear your view. Write now!