Brett Favre, Thanks for the Memories

As a 24-year old male, who has bled purple and gold his entire life, last night's devastating loss to the Saints in the NFC Championship Game was and will remain a bitter pill to swallow. I have grown accustomed to the inevitable highs and knockout-blow lows (I relive the Vikings-Falcons Championship Game in 1998 far too often) as a proud, but pained Minnesota maniac. Older fans have been through four Viking Super Bowl defeats. Today, possibly for the sake of personal cleansing or cathartic effect, I refuse to dwell on the countless "what-if scenarios." Sure, there were a few questionable calls in overtime, AD's head-scratching case of"butterfingers," and Brett's untimely interception at the end of regulation, but the Vikings had their opportunities to win. Instead of angrily spiraling down the road of defeat, for now, I want to focus on the memories from the season.

When Brett Favre became a Viking, I had the mixed emotions of a ninety-year old winning the lottery. However, the Vikings struck gold with the now 40-year old, future Hall of Fame gunslinger. As a Packer hater, I always despised Favre's success against the Vikings, but always recognized and respected his greatness. Throughout the 2009-2010 season, Favre repeatedly displayed poise under pressure, "John Wayne grit," and a sincere, unrivaled passion for football, while leading the Vikings to the NFC Championship appearance and a NFC North Division Championship. Favre's Hail-Mary heave to Greg Lewis at home versus San Francisco, jaw-dropping seven touchdowns in two wins against his former team, and recent four touchdown dismantling of the Dallas Cowboys are amongst the greatest Favre memories from this season. Ultimately, Favre played as well as any player in the NFL this year with 33 touchdowns and 7 interceptions, compiled his best season-to-date, and played as well as any 40-year old athlete in any sport ever. Similar to Lebron James' "We are Witnesses" campaign, as fans we were blessed to witness a special and rare season of greatness to possibly conclude a once-in-a-generation career. No one can possibly know if this is the final stop for the "Farve Express," but Favre's performance should always be revered.

Unfortunately, Favre's late fourth quarter interception will likely forever overshadow his overall play in the overtime defeat to the Saints. Favre courageously commanded the pocket against a frenzied Saints' defense, responded with 310 yards, and led the Vikings to 28 points. Favre completed throw after throw with accuracy and precision, in spite of the relentless physical toll he suffered with each oncoming, crushing hit after hit. In the end, Favre's confidence and lack of mobility manifested itself profoundly in the aforementioned Tracy Porter interception and cost the Vikings an opportunity for a Ryan Longwell game-winning field goal. Nonetheless, thank you for the memories and if you come back, let's go get a Super Bowl.