Brett Favre came out of retirement (again), this time to the Minnesota Vikings, the hated enemies of division rival Green Bay Packers.
And no one fucking cares anymore. Not even the good people of Wisconsin, who will watch their hero done their evil rival’s uniform.
Okay, if you care, here’s some shit about this crap over at ESPN.
Brett Favre is coming back for more. The 39-year-old quarterback turned his back on retirement for the second time in as many years, agreeing Tuesday to play for the Minnesota Vikings. “I felt I did everything I possibly could do to get where I need to be,” Favre said at his introductory news conference Tuesday. “You’re 39, your arm may not feel like it did at 21. But the pieces are in place that you don’t have to do that much and I agree with that. “If they were willing to take that chance, I was, too.” – From ESPN
Brett Favre will meet with renowned orthopedist Dr. James Andrews on Tuesday in Alabama to discuss surgery on his throwing shoulder expected to be performed later this week, the St. Paul Pioneer Press has reported. Rehabilitation from the surgery, which will release a partially torn biceps tendon in Favre’s right arm, would be six to eight weeks, the report said. – From ESPN
A day after Yahoo! Sports reported that Brett Favre had told Vikings coach Brad Childress he was going to remain retired, ESPN broke a story that the quarterback still could end up with the Vikings.
A source that ESPN described as close to the situation said that X-rays of Favre’s right shoulder have been sent to the Vikings and that they are in the process of being evaluated. The issue is the partially torn biceps tendon in Favre’s throwing shoulder.
If Favre and the team determine that he needs anything less than “major” surgery on his shoulder, he will play this season, the ESPN report said. But if Favre’s needs “major” surgery, he won’t come out of retirement. – from Chicago Trib
The health of quarterback Brett Favre’s throwing arm appears to be a pivotal factor in whether he comes out of retirement to play for the Minnesota Vikings.
A source close to the situation told ESPN’s Jeremy Schaap on Friday that X-rays of Favre’s right shoulder — he has pain resulting from a torn biceps tendon — have been sent to the Vikings and that the X-rays are in the process of being evaluated. If it is determined by Favre’s and the Vikings’ medical people that he needs anything less than “major” surgery on his shoulder, Favre will unretire to play for the Vikings, the source said. If “major” surgery is necessary, Favre will remain retired, the source said.
The news comes one day after Yahoo! Sports reported that the 39-year-old Favre told Vikings coach Brad Childress he would remain retired. – from ESPN
The idea that this whole thing is a media concoction is far-fetched. Despite some denials from Favre and Cook in the past week — and this latest denial by Cook is tepid — does anybody believe that Favre and the Vikings aren’t exploring a return? – from NYTimes
Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress and quarterback Brett Favre plan to meet at an undisclosed location later this week to discuss the possibility of the former Packers and Jets quarterback renouncing his retirement from the NFL to play the 2009 season with the Vikings, according to a source with direct knowledge of discussions between the two parties. There is a mutual understanding that sometime soon thereafter Favre will decide whether to sign with the Vikings. The team would expect him to participate fully in offseason minicamps and training camps, which he missed last year with the Jets. – From ESPN
The Minnesota Vikings haven’t discussed the possibility of pursuing veteran quarterback Brett Favre. Yet. Speaking on the first day of his team’s rookie minicamp, coach Brad Childress said there hasn’t been time to discuss the New York Jets’ decision to release Favre. The move made Favre a free agent, raising speculation he was considering a return to the game despite releasing a statement in which he said his plans were to remain retired “at this time.” “We talk about everything,” Childress said. “So yeah, I’m sure we’ll talk about that.” – From ESPN
If you’ve spent the last year reading me on this site, then you know I’m no Favre fan. I’ve dragged this guy through more mud than should be allowed. But upon hearing that Favre asked to be released from the Jets – not once, but twice! – and they actually did it, I’m extremely excited.
Why? Because I’m convinced that this has nothing to do with Favre wanting to retire as a Green Bay Packer. No, this has everything to do with him wanting to play for the Vikings. – from Faniq
Brett Favre’s agent, Bus Cook, on Wednesday shot down rumors that the quarterback’s unconditional release from the Jets on Tuesday was a precursor to launching yet another comeback.
“He’s retired, working on his farm in Mississippi,” Cook said in brief a e-mail to USA TODAY’s Jarrett Bell in response to questions about Favre’s future plans. – from USAtoday
Brett Favre was released from the reserve-retired list by the New York Jets on Tuesday night, making the quarterback a free agent if he decides to again come out of retirement. When Favre was dealt to New York from Green Bay in August, there were conditions in the trade that required the Packers to be compensated if the Jets moved the three-time MVP. Those no longer apply if he signs elsewhere. The 39-year-old Favre, who spent one disappointing season with New York, had requested the move several weeks ago through agent Bus Cook, but insisted he has no plans to come out of retirement for a 19th season. “Nothing has changed,” Favre said in a statement. “At this time, I am retired and have no intention of returning to football.” – From ESPN
The Jags have released long time RB Fred Taylor, ending his 11 year run with the club. Taylor is 16th on the NFL’s all-time rushing list with 11,271 yards. He had 556 yards on the ground last season and averaged a career-low 3.9 yards per carry. The 33 year old Taylor feels he can still play, so watch him to catch on with someone this offseason, but at his age, not as a full time back.
The Ravens cut former all-pro cornerback Chris McAlister today, saving the team $8 million in cap room. No shock – at 31 McAlister’s play has suffered, mostly due to injuries the past two seasons.
Jeff Garcia, who had a very good year in Tampa last season, said he will not be back with the Bucs. The Bucs re-signed quarterback Luke McCown to a two-year, $7.5 million deal last week, and he will get the first shot behind center. Watch for the Bucs to draft a young QB on the first day. Where Garcia ends up will be of interest. While he was productive, he’s not the strongest armed guy, and at 39, few teams want to be he’ll lead you to the big dance.
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Jeff Reed was arrested for freaking out after a convenience store restroom didn’t have any towels. We’ve all been there – just probably not that drunk.
In an extended interview with ESPN, recently retired QB Brett Favre went into depth about the wacky last few years of his career. The future Hall of Famer clearly shows bitterness toward the current Packer regime – primarily GM Ted Thompson. He resented the Aaron Rogers pick, resented that Thompson didn’t consider any of Favre’s ideas (such as getting Randy Moss), and clearly felt Thompson wanted Favre out of Green Bay. The clip is almost 20 minutes, but has lots of great info.
Brett Favre did everyone, including himself, a favor, and said he is retiring. The Jets didn’t want him back – especially at $13 million. If Favre had stayed, NY would have been in the uncomfortable spot of either getting Favre to reduce his salary – or letting him go. By announcing things now, Favre allows the Jets to prepare for next season – something that always drove the Packers up the wall – waiting around wondering when/if Brett was coming back. Favre is one of the all-time greats – but even the great ones have to hang up their cleats. His NY affair will barely be remembered in the coming years – just like most fans barely remember Joe Montanta in KC, or Johnny U in San Diego, or Broadway Joe in LA.
Without the tearful public ceremony that accompanied his retirement announcement from the Green Bay Packers just 11 months ago, quarterback Brett Favre has instructed agent Bus Cook to inform the New York Jets Wednesday that he plans to retire. In an e-mail to ESPN’s Ed Werder, Favre indicated he had no regrets about finishing his career with the Jets rather than with the Green Bay Packers franchise he represented for his previous 16 NFL seasons. He specifically praised Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum, team owner Woody Johnson and fired coach Eric Mangini — and even mentioned Thomas Jones and Kerry Rhodes, both of whom were publicly critical of Favre after the team’s collapse in the final month of the season prevented the Jets from making the playoffs. – From ESPN
There will be no months of speculation or tearful press conferences – Brett Favre has told his agent to the tell the Jets he plans to retire today. Favre e-mailed ESPN with his intentions and said he did not regret ending his career with the Jets, instead of the Packers. – From NY Post
The NFC won the NFL Pro Bowl, 30-21. Larry Fitzgerald was MVP. Does anyone care – outside of Larry Fitzgerald? Thought not. Still, here are the highlights if you’re just trying to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
The Cowboys will release Pacman Jones today. Guy’s just a knucklehead, and the ‘Boys need some attitude adjustment, so this is a positive by subtraction.
Former Atlanta Falcon running back – and current ESPN analyst – Jamal Anderson, was arrested this weekend for sniffing coke off the back of a bar’s crapper. That’s a sign you’re having troubles – when you’re willing to sniff stuff off the place people are taking a shit.
Super Bowl XLIII MVP Santonio Holmes has taken some shots for being honest about some unsavory parts of his life, but this weekend he did announce, with Reebok, that the gloves he wore for his game-winning catch will be auctioned off, with proceeds going to Sickle Cell Disease Association of America. Go to Reebok.com to bid.
The Jets expect Brett Favre to make a decision on his future within the next 10 days. Yea, right. Like those sort of deadlines worked in the past for Brett. Expect him to be wishy washy. That will give the Jets an excuse to deal him or cut him – we bet on a trade to the Vikings. There is an outside chance he retires – but he probably won’t be back in NY.
Indianapolis Colt Darrell Reid was arrested after getting into a fight with the police. The backup defensive lineman wasn’t allowed into a nightclub, and got upset when told to leave.
Poor Brett. Run out of Green Bay by management who saw him as a liability between salary, ego and expected diminishing performance, then New York, going from hero to goat in a two month time frame. Now he can’t even get on a friggin’ video game.
The recent class action lawsuit in which retired NFL players won a $28 million judgment from the National Football League Players Association continues to yield a treasure trove of information concerning the inner workings of EA’s best-selling Madden franchise. For example, transcripts of court testimony which were unsealed this week by the U.S. District Court in San Francisco show that NFL star Brett Favre’s decision to retire from the Green Bay Packers in early 2008 almost got him dropped from the cover of Madden 2009. EA exec Joel Linzner, who was called as a witness at the NFLPA trial, testified about the dilemma which Favre’s on again-off again retirement caused for EA. – From GamePolitics.com
Seems only the fawning sports press has love for Brett Favre anymore. He’s worn out his welcome in New York, and now comes word Electronic Arts considered pulling him from the Madden 09 cover. In testimony during the class-action lawsuit against the National Football League Players Association, over royalties owed to retired players whose likenesses were used in Madden, EA’s Joel Linzer said they made the decision to put Favre on the cover before he announced his retirement. When Favre announced his retirement, they considered replacing him with an active player, then bulled ahead and kept him on the cover. He later unretired. – From kotaku.com
First thing first – free agency season is almost upon us. We’ll hear a million stories about how this or that player in interested in such-and-such team. Ignore 90% of them. Most are worthless. If a team wants to keep a guy – whether it’s Julius Peppers or Matt Cassel or Albert Haynesworth, they will franchise tag them. The very best guys won’t hit the market. They’ll be tagged – and traded – if the team has no intention of keeping them. So don’t expect any superstars getting set free. The guys who will get to test the waters are the good, but not great, players, and still good, but aging players. Guys like LB Karlos Dansby, or WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Each is a very good player, but probably doesn’t merit a franchise or transition tag – and thus a salary of $8-10 million in 2009. Ray Lewis an example of a quality older guy who may hit the market.
Speaking of Karlos Dansby, the Cardinals leading tackler has expressed interest in the NY Giants. Dansby was franchised this past season, but the Cardinals might find that a bit rich – upwards of $10 million.
RB Larry Johnson and TE Tony Gonzalez are not sure of their future in KC. Both players are getting up there in age and neither wants to go through a rebuilding phase. Gonzalez wanted Herm Edwards retained (he was not), while Johnson wants a new coach who will place an emphasis on running the ball. This club needs an infusion of talent – as well as enthusiasm – and don’t be surprised to see either – or both – gone by draft time.
Boomer Esiason said that the Jets probably won’t bring back Brett Favre because of money. Favre is scheduled to make $13 million, and Boomer says the Jets would rather that money go to a younger player who can help more.
Oakland RB Justin Fargas shows up in a pot smoking video. In a profanity-laden video a man calling himself “Yukmouth” visits Fargas while rambling about smoking weed. Fargas does not indulge. Is Fargas that stupid to do this? Apparently.
The Packers will move Aaron Kampan to outside linebacker in the new 3-4 scheme. Kampan might be even better if he doesn’t have to fall back into coverage very often.
The Vikings want to upgrade their QB situation (despite any protests they offer). The primary suspects are Matt Cassel and Brett Favre. Matt Hasselbeck is also a possibility if the Seahawks look to retool. However, he seems to be getting more frail every year. Down the list are Jeff Garcia and Derek Anderson of Cleveland. Garcia is a free agent, but almost 40. Anderson had a fine 2007, but regressed last year and was injured. He wouldn’t cost much. Neither offers any sure fire answer. Favre is a big question mark – does he want to play? If he can go to Minnesota, don’t be surprised if he does play again. The Jets are probably done with him, despite public proclamations claiming otherwise. Getting Cassel would be costly – probably a 1st round pick and RB Chester Taylor.
350,000 people showed up at the Steelers Super Bowl parade and party as Pittsburgh celebrated ‘Sixburgh fever’.
Brett Favre to the Vikings? Don’t count it out. Favre favored going to Minnesota last season, but the Packers refused to deal within the division. The Jets have no such problem, and might decide to part ways with Brett after a disappointing end.
The Lions have released receiver Mike Furrey, who caught 98 passes in 2006. Furrey suffered a concussion last season, and with offensive coordinator Mike Martz gone, was not a significant part of the offense. Furrey can probably serve as a solid possession guy in the right offense, but his skills are limited – and a concussion is never a good thing.
Amani Toomer is done in NY after 13 seasons. The veteran WR is bitter about things, believing the Giants sacrificed success to give younger – and cheaper – guys more playing time. Toomer owns most Giant receiving records, and should hook up with a new team without much difficulty.
The Chicago Tribune made a little comment saying that if the Cards don’t sign Kurt Warner, they’d be willing to give him a three year deal. Warner is already 39, but he’s playing at a high level.
Word out of Minnesota is that the Vikings are looking for a replacement for inconsistent QB Tarvaris Jackson. The move would be of no surprise. The Vikings wanted Brett Favre last year, and don’t be surprised to see them make a play for a veteran QB (perhaps even Favre, who will likely not play in NY next season, if at all) this offseason – even dealing a high pick for the right player. The Vikings feel their window for a Super Bowl is open, and the one thing holding them back is an effective leader.
After a few days of reflection and evaluation about his team since the season ended on Sunday with a playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the assessment of Vikings coach Brad Childress is essentially the same as it was within an hour after that game. He isn’t ready to make any public proclamations about the team’s future at that position. Third-year pro Tarvaris Jackson started the first two games of the season, veteran Gus Frerotte replaced him from the third game of the season for 11 starts, and Jackson re-assumed the starting role for the final 4½ games, including the 26-14 loss to Philadelphia in the playoffs. – From scout.com
The starting quarterback job with the Minnesota Vikings isn’t exactly Tarvaris Jackson’s job to lose. Coach Brad Childress isn’t willing to declare, though, that Jackson has lost the chance to be their starter. Throughout his hardly revealing remarks four days after Minnesota was beaten by Philadelphia in the first round of the playoffs, Childress was non-committal Thursday about what the team will do to address the biggest weakness during his three years in charge. – From the Canadian Press
Brad Childress’ season wrap-up press conference at Winter Park this morning featured no blockbusters, and only a few things that make you wonder what’s going on behind those Hugo Boss glasses. The highlights: 1. The starting quarterback job is up for grabs. Childress would not name Tarvaris Jackson the starter, and Childress isn’t sure whether Gus Frerotte — still annoyed that he lost his job due to injury — will return. Frerotte has one year left on his contract but misses his family in St. Louis and may not trust Childress anymore. – From MinnPost.com
Brett Favre has eased comfortably into his offseason routine in Mississippi and will make no decision about whether to play another NFL season for several weeks. “I have the ability to turn it off just like that,” he said. “I don’t feel I have anything else to prove. Do I have to redeem myself for the last five games? No. I could be trying to do that until I’m 60 years old. There is nothing left out there for me from that standpoint. I’m disappointed with the last five games, sure, but I know I did everything I could have.’ – From ESPN
Brett Favre is going to take his time before deciding whether to return with the New York Jets next season. The 39-year-old quarterback told ESPN on Thursday that he’s following the advice of Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum by not making a hasty decision on his future. “He said he’s not going to bother me for three or four weeks,” Favre said. “He told me to do whatever, and he’d give me a call in a month. Maybe I will tell him my answer that day. But he told me to get away and don’t even think about football.” – From SI.com
The following are the Top 5 individual and team stories for 2008 from buzznewsroom.com.
Exile of Favre
The Packers and Brett Favre parted ways in a bitter fashion, neither faring well in retrospect. The Pack was happy with Aaron Rogers play, but the defense failed to show up. Meanwhile, Favre started well, but imploded down the stretch, the Jets missing the playoffs again. Favre’s teamates have since critized the QB – both publically and privately. Favre will likely be gone next year. Chad Pennington, the guy NY cut to make room for Favre, made the Pro Bowl while leading the Dolphins to the playoffs.
Falcon Rookie Soars
Matt Ryan, the top pick in the draft, had a great rookie year, leading Atlanta to the playoffs after 4-12 season in 2007. Ryan showed poise beyond his years, throwing every pass for the Falcons, posting a 87.7 QB rating and only getting sacked 17 times. Ryan was rewarded by being named NFL Rookie of the Year.
Detroit Hits Bottom
Not just the bottom of last year, but of all time. The Lions choked beyond measure, becoming the first team to go 0-16 in a season. Matt Millen finally (good God, why did it take so long!) got axed, and the coaching staff followed once the season was concluded. Upsides? The ageless Jason Hansen still rocks!
Cowboys Tank
Dallas supposed to be poised for a Super Bowl run, but instead choked the season away with haphazard play and infighting. Big trades, big signings, big talk all ended up with nothing. The team has talent, but chemistry was brutally bad, and the Jerry Jones needs to figure out who’s leading the fracking team.
Kerry Collins? He still plays!
Tennessee QB Kerry Collins, who hadn’t started for a majority of a season since ‘05 and was slated to backup Vince Young, found himself leading the Titans to a 13-3 record as he saddled up for all 16 games this year. Collins was not asked to win games, but he played smart ball, and didn’t make mistakes.
Fallout from the Jets late season collapse are coming down on the shoulders of Brett Favre. Here’s the roundup.
If Brett Favre wants to play another year with the Jets, he’ll have to work a lot harder to win over his teammates than he did this past season. “There was a lot of resentment in the room about him,” one Jets player told Newsday on Wednesday. The player requested anonymity because he did not want to jeopardize his own employment with the Jets, whose owner, Woody Johnson, has already publicly stated that Favre is welcome to return next season if the 39-year-old quarterback wants to keep playing. – From Milwaukee Journal Sentinal
Brett Favre was a “distant” teammate who should have been benched for the good of the team, according to two New York Jets players. One of the players, quoted anonymously, told Newsday that when Favre was at the team’s practice facility, he spent his down time isolated in an office specially designated for him. “There was a lot of resentment in the room about him. He never socialized with us, never went to dinner with anyone,” the player was quoted as saying. – From Philly.com
The New York Jets’ disenchantment with quarterback Brett Favre may extend to the team’s front office despite recent public comments to the contrary. The Star-Ledger of Newark, N.J., reported on its website Friday that team owner Woody Johnson and general manager Mike Tannenbaum might not mind if Favre decides not to return for a second season. Both executives said earlier this week that they would like to see Favre come back. – From SportingNews.com
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