Thread: If this is to be Favre's last season....

If this is to be Favre's last season, he needs to lead the right way

Pretty long link so I reposted it below:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/ross_tucker/07/21/favre/index.html

Filler article but there are a couple good points. Enjoy

I understand why Brett doesn't want to come, and won't be heart broken if he doesn't show up for a single practice. On the other hand though, it would be a better sign of leadership if he'd at least show up, if for nothing else than to be there - would go a long way showing his commitment to his teammates

That article is spot on..I would be shocked if anybody disagreed with it!

I agree...the ONLY reason he's skipping TC is because he can...and it's an entirely selfish move. The PROBLEM is that he's so far above our other two QB's that Chiller and everyone else is going to let him do pretty much anything he wants, just as long as he plays for us.

And, truthfully, it's a sad thing to see. A player who "waffles" simply to avoid training camp because he just doesn't want to go.

Fact is, as many times as I've said I'm ok with it, I don't really think I am. I think it's a selfish move, and one that doesn't maximize his opportunities for success. He could be gaining cohesion with his receivers, picking up the nuances of AP's running style, encouraging his O-Line and learning their strengths and weaknesses...he could be bonding with his Offense.

Instead, he's sitting home throwing footballs to high schoolers who will NOT be on the field in January when it all matters.

The author is right, this is NOT the actions of a "Leader"...this is the action of a "me"-centric player who has gotten away with prima-donna behavior his entire career.

And, at the end of the day, we will all welcome him with open arms and rousing cheers when he finally does arrive, because our teams hopes and dream rest - literally - on his shoulders. Jackson and Rosenfels can't get us there...not even close.

So I'll swallow my anger and my disappointment, and I'll join the rest of the Viking fans who say, "Oh, he's coming back" and secretly have their fingers crossed that he really will. But deep down inside, where it really matters, I'll lose some respect for Favre. Last year I got, he was retired. But this year he's under contract. And his team mates deserve better.

Caine

Well said, Caine. Let's assume the ankle isn't 100 percent. Fine. But show up and stand on the sidelines, go to meetings, be part of the team even if you have to rehab the ankle. It would go a long way to bonding the team for a strong Super Bowl run.

If this is to be Favre's last season........Then I can't wait for it to end.

Good article, hard to disagree with any of it. Only line I disagree with.

My point is that Favre is not deserving of being a team leader if he misses training camp this year

Even with out training camp Favre is still the definition of a leader on Sunday's.

The other possible excuse I have heard for Favre's behavior is that he can be better prepared for the long season mentally and physically by staying away from the team as long as possible. After last season I can understand not wanting to change any part of his preparation. (OK that's BS)

Caine wrote:

I agree...the ONLY reason he's skipping TC is because he can...and it's an entirely selfish move. The PROBLEM is that he's so far above our other two QB's that Chiller and everyone else is going to let him do pretty much anything he wants, just as long as he plays for us.

And, truthfully, it's a sad thing to see. A player who "waffles" simply to avoid training camp because he just doesn't want to go.

Fact is, as many times as I've said I'm ok with it, I don't really think I am. I think it's a selfish move, and one that doesn't maximize his opportunities for success. He could be gaining cohesion with his receivers, picking up the nuances of AP's running style, encouraging his O-Line and learning their strengths and weaknesses...he could be bonding with his Offense.

Instead, he's sitting home throwing footballs to high schoolers who will NOT be on the field in January when it all matters.

The author is right, this is NOT the actions of a "Leader"...this is the action of a "me"-centric player who has gotten away with prima-donna behavior his entire career.

And, at the end of the day, we will all welcome him with open arms and rousing cheers when he finally does arrive, because our teams hopes and dream rest - literally - on his shoulders. Jackson and Rosenfels can't get us there...not even close.

So I'll swallow my anger and my disappointment, and I'll join the rest of the Viking fans who say, "Oh, he's coming back" and secretly have their fingers crossed that he really will. But deep down inside, where it really matters, I'll lose some respect for Favre. Last year I got, he was retired. But this year he's under contract. And his team mates deserve better.

Caine

I pretty much agree with you on this one.

I find myself trying to say "it is not that big of a deal." And to some extent I think it isn't. But, there definitely is some problems with it.

One reason I get somewhat defensive on it is because he is SOOOOO polarizing. When it comes to analysts, most are anti-Favre or Favre-lovers. So, you get a boatload on one side that say "no big deal" because they love him and you get extremists on the other side (Adam Schein anyone) who act as if Favre skipping camp is the worst thing any football player ever has done.

Truth is, it falls somewhere in the middle.

On the not so bad side:
» Favre is still nursing his ankle and it might no be so bad for him to take a little extra time.
» He is definitely an exception as every player to a man says they want him here and don't care if he misses camp (and they for the most part do not seem to be bullshitting).
» He has some leeway because he has been to 17 training camps or so in his career, he is a smart player, he knows his body like noone else does and it is fairly arguable as to whether he can elevate his play by being at camp.» He age and tenure make things with him very different. He can't go out there like he did when he was 26 anymore (and as I continue getting older [32 in October] I am starting to know what he means) and by taking the extra time his mind and body are fresher than they need to be.

On the get his ass to camp side:
» It is his job. He is under contract. If he wants to play, get there. Simple as that.
» If he was to show up on the first, second or third day of camp, imagine what it would say to the team? It would be a statement of "I am not fucking around this season. I am here to win a Super Bowl, I am here for business and everyone else should be too."
» He has not "retired" and should be fair to a team that treated him so well last season.
» While being at camp might not help him much, it very well could help his receivers, the back-up QBs and everyone else on the offense be better prepared.

So, both of these sides have valid and solid points ... and much like No. 4, I find myself waffling on a daily basis. But, I can say, that I would be extremely stoked for next season if he was to show up at training camp.

And hell ... for someone who loves the media on his nuts ... can you imagine all the Favre coverage/love out there if Favre showed up for the first day of TC?

Childress: Favre needs 2 to 3 weeks to prepare

hmm.... almost sounds like the 'plan' is to have Favre come back for the last two preseason games.

Fine by me

I just want him to play this year.
I don't care about when he shows, or how big his ego is, or what's fair.

Bottom line. He gives this team the best chance to win.

He's probably a jerk in real life. But I'll take him, warts and all.