The spring of 1991 is still fresh in my mind despite it being almost two decades ago now.
Much has changed in my life since that time as I’m sure it has changed in each of yours. We’re all older (obviously) and we’ve all traveled down the road of life quite a bit during the two-decade span.
It was in the spring of 1991 that the name Brett Favre entered my mind. While I may have known who he was while he competed at Southern Mississippi, I’m not going to try and fool you and say I remember him without a doubt from his college days.
Favre’s on-the-field play in college caught the attention of the Atlanta Falcons, however, and the organization made him a high round draft choice that spring. Perhaps most ironic was Favre’s name was mispronounced when it was read to the draft audience that year. If we had only known.
Favre’s legacy did not come to life as a Falcon, however. It was a “one and done” deal as he was shipped off to Green Bay after one season of enjoying the Buckhead nightlife too much. What would it have meant for Atlanta had he stayed? It’s impossible to say. Coach Jerry Glanville was set on having Chris Miller as his quarterback. There’s no way he could have known what Favre would have become. No one could have.
Once Favre took over as the Green Bay quarterback, the legend began to grow. With glowing praise from many — especially from announcer John Madden — Favre’s name became a household one. Year by year. Season by season. Playoff appearance by playoff appearance.
He became an icon for the Packers and for the entire NFL as well. He earned a Super Bowl ring and it seemed unthinkable he would ever leave the Frozen Tundra of Green Bay. Three years ago, however, the unthinkable did happen and Favre became a New York Jet.
For the past two seasons, #4 set up shop in Minnesota. Last season he had one of the best of his career, falling just short of the Super Bowl after a late interception against the New Orleans Saints. This season didn’t have the same magic as father time finally seemed to catch up with Favre as he seemed to look older with each passing week, each time he was sacked and with each nagging injury which took heavier and heavier tolls.
Favre has said the time has arrived to retire for good this time. We all know we’ve been down this road before but I just don’t see how he can possibly continue. At some point it has to end for all pro athletes and the time is here for Favre.
Still, what a career and what a ride it’s been for football fans, myself included. Favre played for my favorite team just one season but you can’t help but recognize him for all he has done.
For me it goes beyond the touchdowns, beyond the consecutive games played streak and beyond his toughness and his Wranglers. It’s about a spring almost 20 years ago when we were all younger and when we all had a little more energy.
It’s been quite a journey but all journey’s do come to an end at some point. It’s a part of football and a part of life.
Chris Bridges is the sports editor of the Barrow Journal. Send comments about this column to cbridges@barrowjournal.com.
