Brett Favre: A Fan's Perspective

When I look back on Brett Favre's career, sure I'll think about the records and the gawdy statistics over the course of his 17 seasons in the NFL. I'll think about his "Iron Man" streak of 253 consecutive starts, most ever by an NFL quarterback. I'll think about the 1996 season when he won his second consecutive MVP award, with the image of him running across the field in total elation as the Packers beat the Patriots, 35-21 in Super Bowl XXXI. I'll even think about Brett and the Packers losing to my Denver Broncos the following year in Super Bowl XXXII, 31-24, with total respect to his performance in a losing effort, and the sportsmanship he displayed afterward.

I'll remember all of those things, but there is a moment in Brett's career that will always come to the forefront of my thoughts:

December 22nd, 2003, the day after Irvin Favre, Brett's father passed away due to a sudden heart attack, the Green Bay Packers were scheduled to play the Oakland Raiders on Monday Night Football. Brett made the decision to go ahead and play in the game to honor his father - and honor him he did. In a breathtaking,soulfully charged performance, Brett threw four touchdown passes in the first half and 399 total yards, as the Packers beat the Raiders, 41-7. It was one of those mesmerizing moments that couldn't even escape his harshest critics, as the human connection was loud, and trickled down all of our faces.

I specifically remember even the Raider fans giving Brett applause for the awe- inspiring performance, along with the rest of the nation. It will go down as one of my favorite sports moments of all time. He owned the field that night. That game symbolized everything Brett Favre is about - heart,passion, and the triumph of the human spirit.

Watching Brett play football seemed to always ignite my thoughts to the backyard glory days growing up, as his love for the game brought out the kid in all of us, and for that reason alone, he will always be remembered as one of my favorite players.

On March,4, 2008, Brett Favre retired, leaving a hole in the hearts of not just Packer fans, but true NFL fans everywhere. He is not just one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play, but one of the greatest football players to ever play period.

Brett, thanks for the memories, you will be missed.