Brett Favre’s Annual Summer Retirement Saga Impacts More Than Him
I will say this about the 19-year NFL veteran: he clearly plays the game with passion. But this summer, the third of his rumored retirement, makes his approach to his someday departure seem just as passionate. And let’s just say the so-called 'summers of Favre' are, um, annoying.
This time it started on Tuesday. Text messages to teammates suggesting Number Four’s final farewell. By Wednesday morning, that report had been denied by the quarterback according to ESPN’s Ed Werder.
Along with that denial, Werder also reported Favre will play the season if he is healthy. An appointment with Birmingham’s Dr. James Andrews is slated in a few weeks time, according to the NFL Network. After that, maybe we’ll have our answer. Maybe.
At this writing, most reports indicate this is all about Favre’s surgically repaired ankle. If the ankle allows him to play, he will. Do you think the answer is that simple?
I won’t pretend to understand what it would be like to walk away from a game that has encompassed such an enormous part of my life. Favre is one month removed from what would — or will — be his twentieth NFL season. He is the all-time leader in wins, touchdowns, and passing yards. Clearly, he’s had an impact on the game, and, in turn, the game has changed his life.
But this annual summer saga? It doesn’t just affect Favre’s life. Nor is it just another chance for a TV viewer to roll their eyes in amusement or annoyance. It changes the lives of players and coaches. And it flies in the face of something called commitment.
Yes, injuries happen and players have to walk away. But this is the third "retirement," and it comes down to more than health. Make a decision and stick to it. Live with the consequences. It sounds like something my parents taught me when I was growing up.
Too bad Favre never learned that lesson.
