Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer.
Friday, March 29, 2024
The Observer

Favre not such a golden boy

In response to Jay Fitzpatrick's article about Brett Favre ("I just love football," Sept. 11), I'd like to say that Favre is perhaps one of the most overrated athletes of our time. Mr. Fitzpatrick's article essentially sums up the typical football analyst's opinion about Brett Favre:1. Favre is a "gunslinger." This title is simply an attempt at justification for Favre's tendency to throw way too many interceptions (he has the all-time interception record).2. Favre is an "old-fashioned country boy." Why is this relevant? Are we somehow supposed to appreciate an athlete from the deep south more than an inner-city athlete? Emmitt Smith - a better running back than Favre is a quarterback - grew up in the projects. Not once was he described as an "old-fashioned inner city kid."3. Favre "just loves to play the game." I doubt he enjoys it much more than the average NFL player. Yes, he shows emotion. But consider this: In the final game of the 2002 season with five minutes left in the game, Favre intentionally called an incorrect play to his offensive line. He ran the opposite way of his linemen, leaving him unblocked and prime to be sacked by Giants defensive end Michael Strahan. Why did Favre do this? To make sure his buddy Strahan achieved the single-season sack record (the sack he "earned" by tackling Favre gave him the record). Favre tainted the game by lying to his teammates just so his friend got a record. I'm sure he enjoys playing football, but "fixing" a record seems a bit unethical (also, Favre's own tight-end, Bubba Franks, confirmed that Favre lied in the huddle about the play).Brett Favre had a good career. But let's keep it in perspective.

Ryan McFarlanejuniorSorin HallSept. 12