By Bryan Mongeau-Eastmond, staff writer
NEW YORK (RPRN) 08/19/2009- Can anyone take Brett Favre’s annual retirements seriously anymore? At then end of each season, it seems that the 17-year veteran is calling it a quits. Enough already.
Favre came out of retirement- again- and inked a deal with his new team, the Minnesota Vikings, Tuesday afternoon. The Vikings did not release terms of the deal, but it’s suspected that the 10-time Pro Bowler will be around for the next two years. Hopefully we can skip his retirement talks for a year.
The agreement came less than one month after Favre publicly stated that he would not return for another season in the National Football League. He ultimately changed his mind saying he didn’t want to have any regrets.
“I don’t know how I’ll feel a year from now, five years from now, but I didn’t want to say what if?” he said.
No question that the man who virtually holds every major NFL career passing record is the most qualified quarterback on the depth chart in Minnesota and ultimately gives them the best chance to win a championship.
Backups Sage Rosenfels, who has been competing with Tarvaris Jackson for the starting job, will now turn their attention on the No. 2 spot.
But Favre understands that quarterbacks do not win games by themselves. “At 39 years old, your arm may not feel like it did at 21. But the pieces are in place here where you don’t have to do as much.”
With a physical defense that keeps the offense on the field, along with the services of Adrian Peterson, the league’s leading rusher in 2008, the Vikes are a well-rounded team. The only concern heading into the 2009 season rested with the quarterback position due to shaky performances from a long list of players trying to fill the void.
Whether or not Favre proves to be their savior still remains to be seen. Those questions should be answered very shortly as we near the start of the regular season. Despite the numerous fans that showed their approval and generously came out to greet their newest member, many feel that this decision may backfire.
At this stage in his career, Favre is a one-trick pony. Defensives will only have to defend the deep treat. Let’s not forget to mention his wild throws and questionable decisions that led to costly turnovers and record for most interceptions in league history.
Favre answered critics by saying “if they [Vikings] were willing to take that chance, I was, too.”
The wait for Favre’s decision dragged through the months of May up until July, as the entire football world (especially Green Bay fans) eagerly waited for the drama to end. Now they will have to face their former beloved superstar twice this year, as he is playing for another team in the NFC division.
“I think it’s great for football,” he said. “I can’t see how you think it wouldn’t be,” referring to Oct. 4 and Nov. 1 when the two teams face each other this season.
Photo of Favre sporting his new colors courtesy of the National Football League.
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