Brett Favre: the Legend Retires

At the mention of the name, an image comes to mind. The smiling, scraggly face surrounded by the mist of warm breath on a cold Wisconsin Sunday afternoon. The iron man of football has decided it is time to move on. Yes, its true, the gunslinger is hanging up his shootin' iron. As amazing as his stats, Superbowl wins and MVP selections are, this legend will probably be most remembered for the way he played the game.

No one was better at keeping fans on the edge of their seats than Brett Favre. A play could be in complete disarray. Somehow, Brett would find an open man and drill him with a laser of a spiral. Often, he would see something down field, for just an instant. Hearts would sink in anticipation of one of his famous interceptions. Later in the game, undaunted by his mistake, he would lead his team to a come back win. The gunslinger had a knack for keeping us in our seats.

This legend's sportsmanship is undeniable. At the end of a scoring drive, number four would run the length of the field to celebrate with his team. No one cheered louder for the defense making a stand. Hugging opponents at the end of games, slapping the back of defensive lineman after a vicious sack, there was no limit to Brett's displays of camaraderie on the field. If there was not a single other reason, the legend's sportsmanship deserves the hall of fame.

Passionate, this one word sums up Brett's love for the game. One could see it on his face when a game was going bad. The display of that scowl on the sideline was a favorite image for cameramen. The pain of gritted teeth was frequently seen inside the helmet of this iron man. Not to mention the jubilant celebrations, the boy coming out from inside the veteran. Even the years of indecisive returns displayed how much football was a part of the man. Favre's critics can say what they want, they cannot deny the passionate love for football displayed for seventeen years.

Compare him to Elway, Montana, Marino, even Tarkenton, that really does not matter. Brett Favre's play on the field, on the sideline and at home stand alone. In an era where the integrity of professional sports has taken a beating, Brett stands out like a diamond in the rough. Thank you, Brett for seventeen years of playing the game like it should be played.