By looking at the title of this entry, you’re probably thinking that I’m talking about Terrell Owens (WRONG!!!!), or Chad Johnson (WRONG!!!!), or maybe even DeAngelo Hall (WRONG AGAIN!!!!). Although all of these players are well-known Diva’s, none of them qualify as the BIGGEST DIVA IN THE NFL. That distinction belongs to none other than the tractor-riding, King of the Cheese Heads himself, Mr. Brett Favre.
It pains me to look at Brett Favre as a Diva, because I have always looked at him as the ultimate tough guy. He has been under center for 275 consecutive games (counting playoffs). That means that he has always been dependable and there for his team, despite injuries or turmoil in his personal life. That certainly isn’t Diva behavior. As a matter of fact, I felt honored to be able to see him play in person. I was at the Georgia Dome on November 13, 2005 to witness Favre and the irrepressible Samkon Gado beat the Atlanta Falcons. For those who play Fantasy Football, that was the game that made Samkon Gado the hottest commodity on the waiver wire (he had 103 yards and 2 touchdowns on 23 carries and also 1 touchdown reception). Although I admire Brett, and acknowledge that he is a certain first ballot Hall of Famer, I must call a spade a spade. HE IS THE BIGGEST DIVA IN THE NFL.
What makes Brett Favre a Diva? The fact that he has been contemplating retirement FOR THREE CONSECUTIVE YEARS!!!! So for three straight years, Brett Favre got the full behind kissing treatment from the media, the NFL, and most noticeably his biggest fan Troy Aikman. For a guy who is the face of a TEAM, he seems to enjoy having all of the attention on HIMSELF. The hype started early. I remember watching the NFL Schedule Release show (what can I say, I love the NFL) on the NFL Network prior to the 2005 season. They were already selling the fact that “Brett Favre’s last game” will be televised on the NFL Network. On the day of the game, they even had a live broadcast of the pre-game show from Lambeau Field, complete with the dramatic scene of Favre coming on set and giving Steve Mariucci (his former QB coach) a hug. The Diva behavior continued after the game, with his victory lap around the stadium to take in all the love from the fans (he did a great job of making it look like he was actually retiring). Then suddenly, he said GOTCHA to everyone and decided to play again. He then went through the same song and dance after the 2006 season before playing again in 2007. Then after the 2007 season he finally decided to retire.
Now, the Diva has decided that he would like more attention. There are reports that say that Favre wants to comeback. If these reports are true, Brett Favre is essentially continuing to hold the Packers hostage and making it all about him, yet again. The Packers now have their backs against the wall in the court of public opinion. Although Ted Thompson (General Manager) and Mike McCarthy (Head Coach) don’t want to be known as the people who turned away Brett Favre, it is obvious that they are ready to move on without him. As a matter of fact, one report stated that his agent contacted the Packers about a possible return, and was told that the team had already moved on. In addition to that, they also scheduled his jersey retirement ceremony for the first game of the season and drafted not one but two quarterbacks in the recent NFL draft. Also, notice that no one from the Packers has stood behind a microphone and said, “We would love to have Brett Favre back.” If the Packers really wanted Brett Favre back, don’t you think that someone would say so.
It is not unusual for a professional athlete to struggle with the idea of retiring, and there are many cases where athletes actually retire, then decide to play again. I don’t have a problem with that, because everyone should have the right to change their mind. What I do have a problem with is when a player purposely holds a franchise hostage year after year, for his own selfish reasons. Brett Favre has long been looked at as the ultimate Packer, a great leader, and a great teammate. I for one, think that perception is not reality in this case. There have been many instances where he has proven not to be a great teammate and definitely not a leader. Along with his constant waffling about retiring or playing, I also point to two instances that show the real Diva in Brett Favre. The first being his refusal to serve as a mentor to Aaron Rodgers after Rodgers was drafted in 2005. I think that this is ridiculous because he knows that Rodgers is no threat to replace MR. PACKER in Green Bay, so why not help him learn the ropes in case he is forced into action due to an injury or you ACTUALLY RETIRING. The second instance occurred after the 2004 season. Javon Walker (a then Packer wide receiver) was threatening to hold out for a new contract. After having a breakout season (89 catches, 1,382 yards, 12 touchdowns), Walker wanted to renegotiate his contract. That is when the Diva himself, broke a man-law, and interfered in another player’s contract situation by speaking out against Walker holding out and trying to get a new contract. A good teammate never does that. His comments essentially turned the whole state of Wisconsin against Javon Walker.
Brett Favre is an all-time great and certainly a delight to watch each Sunday. He is definitely the KING OF THE CHEESE HEADS. Although he is universally loved (I am a huge fan of him on the field), we must look at him as we do all other NFL players. If any other player did the things that he has done, such as hold his team hostage each year and speak out about another players contract situation, he would be vilified by all sports fans. Favre is no different.
He has really backed the Packers into a tough spot. Everyone affiliated with the Packers know that having Favre gives them a better chance to win than not having Favre, but I’m sure that his yearly song and dance is getting old. There is a simple solution to this situation that should satisfy all parties involved. They should welcome him back with open arms, but with a totally redone contract. They should give him a two-year deal at his current pay rate, with one condition. That condition is that he must return for the second year of the contract or pay back his entire salary from the first year of the contract. This will allow Favre to continue his pursuit for a second Super Bowl ring and pad his records. The Packers will also be protected against Favre’s Waffling Version 2009. He will have the option of either giving them a two year commitment or playing for free.
As much as we all like (or love in the case of Troy Aikman) Brett Favre, we must look at the situation objectively and admit to ourselves that HE IS THE BIGGEST DIVA IN THE NFL, whether he has earned the right to be or not.
2 comments:
I think it is the suicide notes that Troy Aikmen keeps sending him that makes Brett reconsider.
Ooooh. You called Brett Favre a diva, I'm telling...In actuality he is. I love Brett Favre like Scooby loves snacks, but he is a DIVA. He just plays it different. He cries, he laughs, he promotes, he pulls and tugs, when he wants to. He gets what he wants, when he wants it. He's that kid on the field everybody loves to watch until he can't have his way. Just the year before last he was throwing interception after interception, but it was okay because it was Brett Favre. The difference between a Brett Favre and say a T.O. is that ALOT of people LOVE Brett Favre. He's that drunk Uncle you know...so what he's drunk, but he's a fun, nice guy. He's been through alot, lost his dad, wife had cancer, he was on drugs(medical, but what's the difference) so, we tend to side with the guy. I love Brett Favre and I'm going to miss him...as long as he stays retired.
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