Tag:Brett Favre
Posted on: April 5, 2009 4:22 pm

Apparently, I'm Not The Only One . . .

A while back, I wrote a blog expressing my irritation with the excessive arguing among Packers fans and the rift it caused.  I tried not to be offensive, but I was annoyed by the constant bickering and name calling.  I missed the days when we were all simply Packers fans, no categories attached (Favre-hater or Thompson-lover).  So, when I went to the JSOnline board, a place I frequently visit, I was pleased to read this plea from Greg A. Bedard in his Packers Daily Briefing entry for today (April 5th), which reminded me that I'm not alone:


A small, minor request: Can you all just grow up? Can't Packers Nation come here and just have a respectful debate over the topics of the day? Why does everything have to devolve into name-calling? Is it too much to ask for you all to be adults?

Come on, kids come here to read up on their favorite team. Can you keep that in mind as you decide whether or not to post some of the despicable things your write.

Please, you're Packers fans. Start to act like it, will you? Or move to Detroit.

Couldn't agree more, and this from a professional journalist.  My entire point can be summed up by this "Pause for the Clause": the problem is not that fans disagree; it is that they resort to name calling to make their point.  So, maybe there is some growing to do.  The Packers community could benefit from more respect.  I am sure the types of people I (and Bedard) are referring to remain a minority.  There are many fans who can disagree in a way that does not resort to aggression.  I am just tired of the types described in both mine and Bedard's blog entry.

It is just a relief to read someone articulate my frustrations in such an honest way.  At least, as long as that doesn't make me the bad guy.

Posted on: April 4, 2009 1:35 am
Edited on: April 4, 2009 1:42 am

Jay Cutler: The Next Brett Favre?

The first statement I remember regarding Jay Cutler whenever I see or write his name is one that was repeated frequently during the months before he was drafted:  Cutler is the next Brett Favre.  He has all the skill--the strong arm, the escapability, the gunslinging mentality--leading to the comparison to the infamous and legendary quarterback.  Until now, I didn't entirely buy into the comparison.  I mean, these days, there are plenty of quarterbacks with strong arms who managed to escape pressure and make tough throws (including the Packers current quarterback, Aaron Rodgers).  There had to be something more to make him deserve this distinction (assuming it is the honor people make it out to be).  Now, after the controversy surrounding Jay Cutler and the recent, public divorce, it finally makes sense.

But not in the sense that would be considered praise-worthy.

Be prepared for me to spout some anti-Favre rant.  You know, because I'm a hater.  And note that, with those statements, my tongue was planted firmly in my cheek.

I mean, how often do two quarterbacks force a painful divorce over the span of one year?

I know your problem thinking they are not the same situations.  Ted Thompson forced Brett Favre into retirement and then traded him when he was too stubborn to take him back.  Jay Cutler became upset when the new coach became interested in trading for a quarterback he coached with the Patriots (Matt Cassel), which made him feel unwanted.  The two situations are different, so how do they compare?  It is not how it happened that matters, but how they acted during the event.  It is the characteristics that I find strikingly similar.  Consider the following:

  1. Both players acted as though they are bigger then the team.  Both Brett Favre and Jay Cutler presented attitude that management should bow to their every command and should raise them on a pedestal.  For Favre, it meant he should be the one to make decisions; he should be released and play for the Vikings (yes, all evidence points to this, especially since he did communicate with the Vikings and also demaned he be released, though Favre-fans want to believe he intened to play for the Packers); he should be in control.  For Cutler, his actions suggest that no other player should even be considered and that the mere suggestion of a trade is demeaning; he felt he was above management and that any talk of trade should be followed by him leaving management.  Both players have no regard for management and how business works.
  2. They both believed they were not wanted by the team.   Okay, so maybe they were right in feeling dejected, but neither of them, apparently, had the strength and will power to overcome these feelings .  For Favre, when he felt that he was needed (i.e. no one grovelled at his feet), he retired; when Cutler felt he was needed (he was hurt by the trade talk), he refused to make amends.  Why didn't either one man up and say "I'll show them; I'll play despite this insecurity."  Well, this is my theory:
  3. They both have fragile egos.  They want to feel that they are regarded highly.  They need to see this in their managements actions
  4. They both want attention .  I mean, why else make a point of stretching out the situation as long as possible?
  5. They both put themselves before the team .  This is slightly different then the acting bigger then the team.  In this case, they don't care about how it effects the teammates.  I mean, did Favre care that Aaron Rodgers was already integrated into the offense and trying to develop leadership?  Did he care that this created a distraction for the young team?  Does Cutler care that his offense is now without his leadership and will have to rebuild?  That is selfish.
  6. T hey are both stubborn.  Blame management, but Favre didn't have to retire in the first place.  As for Cutler, he could have just ended it and forgiven the coach.  But, no, their fragile egos, need for attention, and belief the team didn't want them pushed them to the brink, and they didn't move.
  7. Finally, they acted like children!  That's what it all comes down to: maturity.  All these previous comparisons reflect childish behavior.  This can be better excused for the younger Jay Cutler, but Favre has acted this way for a while.  They either get what they want, receive the attention they need, or they will act up.  Like a child.

Obviously, these are all very negative characteristics and a lot of it is speculative and based on what I've read, but I get the impression that they both responded in a similar way.  So, with that in mind, I should mention that I am not a Favre hater and I'm not a Cutler hater; I just don't like athletes that act this way.  More importantly, I don't like it when fans continually defend these actions.  Was Favre a great quarterback?  Sure.  Is Cutler a young talent?  No doubt, but I can't excuse this behavior.  Which brings me to the most obvious connection: they both have the same agent--Bus Cook.  I would not be surprised if all the above "characteristics" were fueled by their agents.  I mean, who would want his players to receive more attention?  The Agent.  Who would want to stretch out the drama and create controversy?  Agent.  Who would want the player to continue to push until he got the demand (act stubborn)?  Bus Cook; the agent.  Therefore, I will not quickly blame either quarterback entirely for displaying these characteristics.  It might have been amplified by an agent who wants attention.  And, since we are still discussing it, it should work.

The next Brett Favre?  Maybe, possibly on the field and off the field.  Or maybe he is just another tool Cook uses for his own gain.

Either way, we will sure be seeing a lot more of him now; and now it is Chicago that gets to deal with it.

For better or worse.


Posted on: April 2, 2009 6:52 pm
Edited on: April 2, 2009 6:56 pm

Bus Cook Gets His Revenge Against Ted Thompson

It's about time.

After months and months of failed efforts to have Brett Favre sent to a rival opponent, Bus Cook finally found a way to enact his revenge.  He couldn't get Favre on the Vikings, but he did manage the next best thing: he sent "the next Brett Favre" to the Bears.

Why would Bus Cook want revenge though?  Wasn't it Brett Favre who was disgruntled?  Perhaps, but this Cutler situation has me wondering how much of a role he actually plays in these controversies.  This type of national quarterback drama doesn't happen to this extreme every year, except for the last two, both sharing the same agent.  What exactly does Bus Cook tell his clients?

Maybe he tried to push Favre back out of retirement, so that he wouldn't lose his star quarterback.  Maybe he fueled the hatred toward Ted Thompson and convinced Favre he wasn't getting enough attention.  Maybe he pushed Jay Cutler to further incite his anger toward Josh McDaniels and trade talk.  He might have even convinced management that Cutler would never play with the Broncos again (even though, last night, I heard a report saying that Jay Glazer and Alex Marvez spoke to Cutler at an MMA event and he seemed less adament about the trade).  I don't know what is said behind closed doors, but when situations like these happens repeatedly, it becomes a trend.

And it all comes down to Cook's hatred toward Ted Thompson.

Think about it: he must have been upset that Thompson supposedly "pushed" his star, money-making client into retirement.  So, he would have reason to want to fuel Favre's own irritation and encourage him to seek a release so he can play with a rival.  Part one of his revenge was getting the fans to all hate Thompson as much as he did.  Part two was getting a quarterback to challenge the Packers within our division (he seems to like sending his clients to rival teams; look at Steve McNair and his move from the Titans to the Ravens).  That happened when a trade was made to the Bears for Jay Cutler.  Now Favre and Cook can get together, have a drink, and laugh at how they managed to get their revenge.

As Favre might say, they finally managed to stick it to Ted.

Okay, so that sounds crazy, but it kind of makes sense.

Doesn't it?


Posted on: March 25, 2009 1:52 am
Edited on: March 25, 2009 1:52 am

Explaining My Positions

Dear Faithful Blog Readers (If You Exist),

In a recent blog, I expressed my irritation with the redundancy of posts on the Packers message board and my concern about the rift created among the fans.  I concluded that I probably won't contribute much to said board for a while, mainly because I was tired of the arguments.  However, I've decided that, since I have such strong opinions on these much debated topics, there is no reason why I should silence myself.  What better place is there to express my opinion without extensive conflict then on my blog?  I can express my views so the community can understand them, which might open up to participation in the Packers board without having to repeat my position every time.  I can just refer them to my blog.  You are free to disagree and post your response, but I can leave my statement as it is and not reciprocate.  Essentially, I can bring the debate to my home turf, gain home field advantage.  Maybe my words will go ignored, but at least I can make my thoughts available, whatever they are worth.  In the coming days or weeks, I will cover such frequently treaded topics such as Ted Thompson, Free Agency, the Draft, Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers, the new 3-4 scheme, and the coaching staff.  Essentially, they will be all the usual hot spots (mostly mentioned in my earlier blog).  Most of these topics were already covered in posts on multiple threads (quite frequently), but this will provide a home for these thoughts to reside.  I hope they are interesting and insightful.  Feel free to comment.



Posted on: March 23, 2009 5:49 pm
Edited on: March 25, 2009 1:29 am

Discussing Packers Football Is Not Fun Anymore

Edit: this blog in no way promotes censorship.  People are free to post what they want.  This is just an honest explanation as to why I have been absent from the Packers board for a while, and not a complaint.  Read it with this in mind: people have the right to think and write what they want; my position is that the disagreement seems too much of a rift among the fans and the arguing is often uncivil.  I just hope for a truce.

It has been a while since I last posted on the Packers message board; in fact, I haven't even looked at the board for nearly as long.  The reason why I am now writing a blog after a long period of silence is because it is the only place I feel I can openly express my opinions without the threat of a negative response.  This is not to suggest that I am not willing to debate a point (I'm not afraid of a little conflct); I'm just tired of it.  The arguments are getting old and they seem to be the only ones I find on the Packers board.  Without even glancing at the message board, I can guess what the topics are:

Ted Thompson is a horrible general manager

                            Will we ever sign a free agent?

                                       This free agent is worth considering

                                                   Brett Favre, Brett Favre, How I Love Thee . . .

                                                            Aaron Rodgers can't win close games (or that he sucks)

                                                                       The 3-4 defense will be awful next year or

                                                                                 The 3-4 defense is the right direction for this team

                                                                                                                     Who Thompson should draft

                                                                                                                              Resigning Bush was a stupid move

                                                                                                                            Oh, and of course, fire TT and MM

Some of these topics are common to most boards, but it is not necessarily the general subject matter that irritates me.  The problem I have is with the division among Packers fans.  You are either a Favre hater or a Thompson lover.  Or, you are not a true Packers fan.  Whatever the case, no longer does it seem that the Packers board is a safe place to simply show your support for the team.  In fact, it seems more people want the team to fail and root against them.  I could probably have more civil conversations with fans of the Packers rivals.  The question is "when will Packers fans ever move past this controversy and learn to put the team first?"  It won't happen.  I expect it to be a battle among the Packers community.  No one will win and no one will admit wrong, no matter how the team does in the future.

Simply Put: the Packers board is just not that fun anymore (unless you enjoy the futile debates).  It seems impossible to have a light-hearted conversation about the Packers without conflict.  Will that happen?  I hope so.  It would be nice to participate on the threads again.

Posted on: October 9, 2008 1:20 pm

Reason To Give Up

I have been reading through the Packers board and it appears that a loud majority have come to this consensus: it's over.  The Packers season is done, there is no chance we make it to the playoffs.  I am in no way implying that this is the consensus of all Packers fans; that is why I wrote the "loud" majority.  It seems like the negative posters come off stronger ins many cases.  Now, I will admit I had my doubts, but I won't just give up on this team five games in.  They may have looked bad, but I believe they can turn it around.  It might be the residue of the disappointment of the loss in the Championship game, it might just be that the team is sluggish.  However, there is still talent on this team and I am not of the perception that all of that talent just faded away.  Yes, injuries hurt our team and a lack of execution on the fundamentals (catching, tackling, blocking, etc, some of that resulting in penalties).  But that can change.  This team is young and can mature.  I don't think we need to give up yet, not this early.  But still, as I have been thinking about this negativity, I have come to this theory:

The people who are giving up want the team to fail and jump at the opportunity to prove themselves right.

I have seen it before.  The same comments are repeated by the same people: Fire Ted Thompson; Mike McCarthy is a bad coach; Bring Brett Back; we would do better with Brett out there; this is what happens when you don't spend millions of dollars on overpriced free agents that could have more value in their jersey sales then the actual performance on the field (you know, because big names never struggle when they join new teams and are paid the big bucks).  Okay, so that last one was tainted by my personal opinion, but you get the point.  These people wanted this team to fail.  They wanted Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy to be punished for the injustice of trading Brett Favre.  When you have this mindset, there is no room for hope, especially when you don't want to see it.  These people call themselves fans.  Of course, they probably spend more energy cheering for the New York Jets then they do the Green Bay Packers.  Of course, last week, both teams had the same record.  Now the Jets didn't lose this week, but Favre didn't throw any touchdown passes or interceptions.  Well, he had a bye.

But what I see is a different reaction for those who gave up on this team.  They seem excited.  They relish the failure.  It's not a matter of the team succeeding.  It's a matter of who was wrong or right.  If Favre was on the team and we were still 2-3 (which is more than possible because Rodgers has played adequately in 2 of the 3 losses, while the defense gave away these games), Packers fans would probably still be optimistic about the season.  But, now it seems they think the team deserves this.  And, of course, because of the obsession with Favre, Aaron Rodgers gets all the blame, not because he is responsible, but because it was predetermined by the Ted Thompson haters who would be at Fault.  It can't be the defense, cause Favre didn't play there.  It can't be the penalties.  Of course, the line performing badly is Rodgers fault because he doesn't have the ability to make them play well.  Apparently, Favre was not only the greatest quarterback of all time, but he also has magic powers.  Okay, I'm exaggerating, but can't we give Rodgers credit for what he has done?  He started only five games and has played well in the majority of them.  He still has a future ahead of him.  Why not be excited?

Of course, for some people (I am beginning to think it is a stubborn minority), you can't be excited because you won't let go of the past.  Well, Favre is gone and Rodgers looks good for a young quarterback, and he is tougher then many of you thought.  From some reports I've read, Brett Favre (maybe not recently) still holds recentment toward the Packers organization.  I think some of that bitterness rubs off on the fans (of him, not the team).  But you still have a reason to be excited.  You are excited when the team fails.

Admittedly, I am not accusing all of you.  I know there are many who still have hope for this team and its future.  This is written for the select few (you know who you are):  Go ahead.  Give up.  Turn your back on this team and enjoy their struggles.  As a fan of the team, I am going to stand by my team.  I am going to hope for the best, even when the worse seems more prevalent.  Let those true Packers fans keep this in mind: there are 11 games left.  This team can still turn around and return to form.  If we (as fans, we become a part of our team) work on the fundamentals and avoid penalties, working on blocking, run harder and through the right holes, and swarm around the ball on defense, this team can still be good, even great.  Let's not be worried yet.

Unless you want to but, then, please stay away.  I am sure you can all start your own Brett Favre addict support group and leave those who still cheer for the team to the game.
Posted on: July 28, 2008 1:17 pm

Training Camp Report - Morning Practice

Training camp started today for the Green Bay Packers and, given the close proximity between my house and Clark Hinkle Field, I have the opportunity to witness every practice. Since I am able to attend these practices on a consistent basis, I figured that I should share my thoughts and some plays that caught my attention (those that made me cheer). However, I can't guarantee a useful analysis, since I am not a sports scout or professional sports writer. I don't know what I am meant to look for. Still, if some of you are interested in an analysis from a fan instead of one with the marks of a professional, feel free to read on. I hope that I can provide some insight.

Anyone familiar with any of my previous posts on Brett know where I stand, and knowing this would help better understand why the most irritating part of the viewing experience was the constant discussions about Favre. It really grew tiresome and more aggravating for me as the statements all combined into one collective opinion: Thompson is an idiot for not taking back Favre and he should be fired. Now, personally, I don't think Ted deserves the brunt of the blame, but I realize that those believe what they want to believe, and in who they place their trust. If they find Favre without flaws and a complete victim, they will believe any bad word about Ted stated by Favre. If they are open to doubting Favre, they might question who is really the villain. What was so intolerable for me was that everyone I heard from was on the anti-Thompson, pro-Favre side. Here are some paraphrased statements I heard: "Do you see Brett?"; "Training Camp is not the same without Favre"; "I am a die hard fan, but if they trade Brett, I might stop watching."; "Ted is the enemy and should be fired if he lets Brett go." Of course, there were many Number 4 jerseys and a kid with a shirt with the statement "Bring Brett Back" on it.

But that was just the irritating part, which I expect when I go to any of the practices. In my opinion, though, I didn't think camp was really that different without Favre (I've been to past camps). I also was very much impressed my the new offensive leader (who actually received a lot of positive comments, immediately followed by a negative, mostly involving him not being Favre). This is actually a good place to start.

Quarterbacks -
With all of the complaints about Favre not being there, I thought that the group as a whole did well. The biggest surprise, for me, was Matt Flynn. He threw some impressive passes, with one being a perfectly thrown deep ball that was one of those "wow moments" for me. He also did a good job sidestepping pressure. Brian Brohm made same good throws too, but it seemed his receivers dropped many of his passes and, from my vantage point, I couldn't determine if it was his fault or the receivers. All of the quarterbacks seemed very comfortable with the offense and performed generally. Aaron Rodgers, in my mind, was very impressive. Much of what I heard were evident to me as I watched him play. He had a quick release and had good speed on his passes, which proved useful during the short routes. He also had some good medium routes down the middle that further showcased his arm strength. His deep ball was equally impressive in my mind, and it was easy to see why Greg Jennings described it as a "pretty pass." He only completed on of the three, but I blame the receiver on this, as I'll explain later. He also threw the only interception, but it was more a good play by Al Harris than a bad one by Aaron Rodgers. I look forward to seeing more from these quarterbacks.

Receivers -
For the most part, it seemed, all of the receivers performed well enough, making some grabs, but I should highlight a few in particular. Jordy Nelson caught maybe three short to medium passes, so I didn't learn much about him. However, one receiver who really impressed me was Ruvell Martin. I knew he made some clutch receptions last year, but he proved that he has some good hands. He dove for a deep pass from Rodgers and made another notable catch (a "wow moment" again) and also had a great leaping grab of another pass. James Jones, however, disappointed me slightly. He missed two deep passes from Rodgers and it was clearly his fault. For some reason, he seemed to slow down on the route, as if he doubted Rodgers' arm strength, which meant he had to run to try to catch up and make a futile attempt. He did this twice, though I don't know why. This looked to be a minor error that could be fixed as he develops with Rodgers.

Offensive Line and the Running Backs - Not much to say here, since it was two-hand touch (they were not in pads), but I saw some growth in Brandon Jackson. He seemed more comfortable and fluid, making cuts and jukes with ease. He also should some great speed when he would run in the open field after the end of the plays. He also showed good hands in catching several passes. Noah Herron and DeShawn Wynn, even Vernand Morency, all seemed comfortable (though I hope to see how this changes when full contact is allowed). I think this was a further testament to the offensive line, who appeared to pick up their assignments well, opening holes. If this line can show itself strong in contact drills, the Packers might be able to succeed with any of their backs (watch out Ryan Grant).

I couldn't see the defensive drills from my seat but I did notice that when playing the offense, they were very aggressive and put pressure on the quarterback. I have little to add here. I also don't know what to say about the tight ends, since I didn't really pay attention to them.

All in all, except for the annoying conversation and sun in my eyes, it seemed like a good practice. I shouldn't be, since it is probably typical of NFL practices, but I was impressed by how well run and disciplined the drills were; everything moved like clockwork. I hope to give a more in-depth report after I see their evening practice when they wear pads. Hopefully, that will give a better idea of where they are.
Posted on: July 3, 2008 2:32 pm
Edited on: July 26, 2008 4:50 am

Why don't we just admit it? Brett is selfish

Edit: As this situation grows worse, the effects of his selfishness seem to have become more prevalent.  This seems obvious by the divide created within the team and the fans.  It pains me to see the disdain toward the two sides, especially when this is turned on management.  In my mind, the selfishness has made matters worse.  Therefore, I feel the message of this blog is only increasing in relevance.

First, let me provide this disclaimer: the following post is not an attempt to bash Favre. I respect Favre and his accomplishments on the field. He deserves the recognition and claim to one of the top NFL quarterbacks in NFL history; he is a legend in Green Bay and throughout the league. However, he is not perfect and I think it is necessary sometimes to identify the flaws, especially when they are a detriment to the team and the fans. I don't feel he should be idolized. The recent wave of comeback talks (fueled by the media) illustrate the reason for this post, even more so if there is truth to the rumors, particularly if Favre started them: Favre is selfish.

Why would I claim this? I think I am stating the obvious. I think we can all admit that we have grown tired of his inability to make a decision. It has grown irritating over the past several seasons with all the "will he or won't he" retirement talk. It was like he held the town and his team hostage every season. When he does this, he elevates himself above the team. He forces the organization to bend to his timing. Even though he is/was a great player, this is still a selfish act. In a way, it is as detrimental as a player holding out for more money, which, to me, is the ultimate act of selfishness on a team. Holding out suggests that one player's needs is more important then the teams. On a different scale, Favre "holding out" with his decisions forced the organization to wait to make plans for the future, which is a detriment in itself.

But Favre was not only selfish off the field. He often put himself above the team in his play. Now, I realize most consider him a team player, and most of the time he is. But how many times have people referred to the Packers as Favre's team? Tell me if this sounds familiar: "the Packers are nothing without Favre; Favre made that team; he is the team." How can one player be elevated above a roster of 53? Since Favre retired, we've heard much talk of how the Packers are now a bad team. Really? If Favre was the whole team, he was not a team player.

But how can I write that? Certainly that was all fan talk and Favre does not actually believe he alone composes the team? Perhaps, but actions speak louder than words, and, for me, his actions are loud and clear. How many times have we seen Favre try to force a huge play when his team is down? Often, it succeeded, but he holds the interception record for a reason. When he tried to carry the team on his shoulder, very often, he forced passes that landed in the hands of the defense. Last season, when he played within the system (throwing short passes that allowed his talented receivers to make plays, and deep ones when the opportunities arrived), the offense thrived. However, when he tried to carry the team alone and forced throws, that is when the problems occurred. Look at what happened at the Cowboys game, for example. He just tossed it up and was intercepted 3 times that game. When Aaron Rodgers stepped in and played within the system, the offense performed better. People like the term "gunslinger," but it has some negative connotations. For one, it implies a more individualized image (one man taking chances); for the other, it is hit and miss.

Of course, the implication that he thinks he is above the team again refers back to his inability to make a decision. Now, there are rumors that he wants to come back. I am not sure if they are true, but if his words are fueling them, I once again have reason to believe he is selfish.

Look at this through unbiased eyes; take off your Favre-colored glasses. This statement is directed towards those who think the Packers should drop everything and invite him back. More specifically, it targets those who think Mike McCarthy and Ted Thompson are to blame. They have a team to run and they can't be constantly concerned with Favre's frequent and expected doubts. They need to move on, as does Brett and the fans. There are reports that McCarthy and Thompson didn't show enough interest, that they didn't want him back, but, really, who can blame them? They have a team to focus on, not one player who thinks he is the team. Why should they spend so much time trying to beg Brett to return, as if he is a child who needs attention? It should go unsaid that he is/was a major part of the team.

Now people are questioning the statement that the organization is "reluctant" to bringing Favre back? Seriously, does anyone hear know anything about running an organization? I admit that I don't, but from what I understand, when a team spends several months preparing with a new quarterback, should they be eager to just dismiss that quarterback for the old? It seems like common sense. Pre-season starts in a month and training camp begins in three weeks. Favre doesn't like to practice and the itch to play becomes stronger when the season approaches. However, Rodgers dedicates himself to his workouts and preparation for the season and now the Packers are suppose to drop everything because an indecisive quarterback changed his mind? Again, that is a selfish position to put a team.

The Packers have the future to think about, and I doubt many of those who are calling for Favre's return realize the long term impact this could have. This isn't just a matter of returning Rodgers to the bench for one more season. Rodgers contract is nearing an end and I expect being treated this way will not sit well with him. Favre would probably only have one more year, but we still don't know what we have in Rodgers. He could be a future star, and we would just throw him aside? Brian Brohm is not anymore of a guarantee. Good quarterbacks are hard to find (ask the Bears and Vikings), so why risk losing someone who could be a longterm solution?

His selfishness has an effect on many. It hurts Aaron Rodgers, who was given the reigns to the offense only to have it threatened by an indecisive quarterback. His growth would probably be smoother if his future was more certain. No wonder he seems to be losing some of his composure (referring to the SI article). It hurts the Packers organization, since they don't need the distractions. It affects the team, because how can the players be loyal to one offensive leader if an older, retired player implies a possible return? Add the media and the questions the Favre talk would incite, and the players may struggle to stay focused on their new quarterback (an important position). If they can't let go of the old, how will they give in to the new? Finally, it affects the fans, who are tired of being pulled around by a selfish player.

I am bothered by this selfishness and indecisiveness. I feel we need to move on. Favre needs to stick with a decision or he will hold everyone back. Will we all just admit that, at the least, this is getting on our collective nerve? It sure has for me.