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posted November 7, 2005 at 13:22 EST in NFL Articles
Open Letter to Brett Favre
by Matthew
Canton is calling
It's time Brett. It's time to put the gun back in the holster and walk off into the sunset. You were a fighter, a gunslinger, no one was tougher. You battled on-field foes, inner demons, personal tragedy and of course the intense media pressure.
Sunday's loss at home toPittsburgh
You are a Super Bowl winner, an MVP winner, a warrior, one of the best men to have ever suited up and played the grand game of football. You used your inner child better than anyone to inject joy and energy and love of your sport into your teammates, the city of Green Bay and ultimately the NFL. Whether people rooted for or against you, they respected you, and that is something you can be damn proud of.
But watching that Steelers game, seeing your body not in synch with your arm, it just wasn't fun to watch. Yes, your arm strength is still there, and your mind is still sharp. But, you need the entire package to play the style you are accustomed to playing. The Brett Favre I remember always lived on the edge. But, he always managed to reel it back in and make the plays. Now, those plays are crippling interceptions, no longer passes zipped in to the receiver in double coverage.
We are very aware of the unbelievable injuries your team has suffered offensively. Missing a pro bowl running back, a terrific receiver and even backup offensive players, it's all devastating to your chances. But, we seem to remember a Brett Favre a few years ago in the same situation, and he somehow got his team past those things. It's not fair to judge your performance when you don't even have a full squad, but we know better than to simply chalk up your dropoff to injuries.
I think the thing that made it the most evident to me that you should retire, was the lack of passion. There you were on the sidelines in the waning moments of another loss, and you were as calm and as dejected as could be. When your fire for this game is dying, that's when you know you must get out. Don't risk further injury and more beatings for nothing. Announce this is your swan song season and make something out of this lame-duck season.
Sunday's loss at home to
You are a Super Bowl winner, an MVP winner, a warrior, one of the best men to have ever suited up and played the grand game of football. You used your inner child better than anyone to inject joy and energy and love of your sport into your teammates, the city of Green Bay and ultimately the NFL. Whether people rooted for or against you, they respected you, and that is something you can be damn proud of.
But watching that Steelers game, seeing your body not in synch with your arm, it just wasn't fun to watch. Yes, your arm strength is still there, and your mind is still sharp. But, you need the entire package to play the style you are accustomed to playing. The Brett Favre I remember always lived on the edge. But, he always managed to reel it back in and make the plays. Now, those plays are crippling interceptions, no longer passes zipped in to the receiver in double coverage.
We are very aware of the unbelievable injuries your team has suffered offensively. Missing a pro bowl running back, a terrific receiver and even backup offensive players, it's all devastating to your chances. But, we seem to remember a Brett Favre a few years ago in the same situation, and he somehow got his team past those things. It's not fair to judge your performance when you don't even have a full squad, but we know better than to simply chalk up your dropoff to injuries.
I think the thing that made it the most evident to me that you should retire, was the lack of passion. There you were on the sidelines in the waning moments of another loss, and you were as calm and as dejected as could be. When your fire for this game is dying, that's when you know you must get out. Don't risk further injury and more beatings for nothing. Announce this is your swan song season and make something out of this lame-duck season.
You didn't let anyone down. This season was not your fault. But, realize that you are no longer capable of turning it around all by yourself anymore.
Brett, hold your head up high. You are one of the best players of all-time, in any sport. You brought skill and excitement to a game that badly needed you in the 90's. Without you, the Cowboys and 49ers would have monopolized it all. You gave the small market teams hope and you gave Packer fans the time of their lives.
So get on your horse and ride off like the true warrior you are. Leave the game just like you played it: on your own terms. The name Brett Favre will go down in NFL lore as a legend and for that we all thank you.
Brett, hold your head up high. You are one of the best players of all-time, in any sport. You brought skill and excitement to a game that badly needed you in the 90's. Without you, the Cowboys and 49ers would have monopolized it all. You gave the small market teams hope and you gave Packer fans the time of their lives.
So get on your horse and ride off like the true warrior you are. Leave the game just like you played it: on your own terms. The name Brett Favre will go down in NFL lore as a legend and for that we all thank you.
