Instead of a rant about the worthlessness of G-Wes and his current “release me” saga, we’re going to pay tribute to a genuine gridiron gladiator–the one and only Brett Favre.
I’ve always been a Chiefs fan. It’s a football rite of passage in the Best family. I’ve never owned any Brett Favre or Green Bay Packers merchandise, never will. I’ve barely even spent any time in the state of Wisconsin. Still, I’m not gonna lie–I love me some Favre. I’m going to miss the hell out of that guy. I’m guessing that almost every fan outside the NFC North will as well.
Unfortunately, I never got to see him play live. Still, I feel like I know the guy. I was in grade school when his career begin. Now, I’m almost ten years removed from high school. It’s hard for me to imagine the NFL without Favre, so Packers fans must be having a helluva time. I can relate; a few years ago my favorite athlete and another Hall of Famer retired after playing for almost two decades–Reggie Miller. Before that, we Chiefs fans suffered the tragic passing of Derrick Thomas, a hero to us all. On both accounts, things haven’t been the same since, and they never will.
The same can be said about Favre, and more. When most fans don’t recognize the faces underneath the helmets, he was the face of the NFL. He passes that legacy to Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, so it is in good hands. Yet, they’re not the same. I’ve never seen a quarterback play with so much passion, grit and fire. Every time he threw a touchdown it reminded me of those fantasy backyard football games we used to play as kids. You know…
“D.T. strips Elway…picks up the football…the 30…the 20…the 10…TOUCHDOWN! The Chiefs are going to the Super Bowl! Oh baby, what a play!”
Even in his last year he brought that same level of unparalleled enthusiasm to the game. I remember the Denver Broncos-Packers Monday Night Football game. It went into overtime, and Favre was having a damn good game. I hate the Broncos of course, so I was rooting for Favre and Co., which is typical when they aren’t playing the Red and Gold. Early on he hit Greg Jennings for a TD bomb that ended the game. Favre started running around with his fingers raised in the air signaling No. 1. I found myself doing the same thing within the confines of my living room. I was like, wait a minute, I’m a Chiefs fan. He did that to all of us at one time or another.
Brett Favre was one of a kind. I actually think it was Favre that broke our will and ended our 2007 season. The Chiefs were 4-3 when the Packers visited Arrowhead, sitting atop the AFC West. The Packers were also in first place in the NFC North. Something had to give, and one team would walk away losers. Now, Larry Johnson‘s injury contributed to the loss, but ultimately it was the intestinal fortitude of Favre that put away our Chiefs. It was painful to watch, but beautiful at the same time. If it had to be anyone, I’m glad it was Favre.
Favre didn’t have a perfect storybook ending to his career, but he didn’t need one. He took an overachieving team to the brink of the Super Bowl and broke several milestone NFL passing records along the way last year. At his age, I’d like to see someone do better. He had already done all he needed to and more. It was like an aging Harrison Ford coming back for a fourth Indiana Jones movie, and it being a commercial and critical hit (fingers crossed). We were blessed just to get one last dance.
Here’s to Brett Favre from the staff at Arrowhead Addict. We’ll never forget No. 4. Not even all the way down in Kansas City. Our Thanksgivings–and Chiefs fans feast better than any, believe that–will feel empty for a while, no matter how much we eat.
What are your favorite Favre memories? C’mon, you know you have them…
Never miss a chance to get your fix! Follow Arrowhead Addict on Twitter and be sure to like our Facebook page.
Tags: Brett Favre, kansas city chiefs
Loading ...
Bolt Beat
Just Blog Baby
Predominantly Orange
Ramblin' Fan
