Favre: “I’m in it for the right reasons”

In classic Brett Favre-fashion, a press conference originally scheduled for 6:00pm EST didn’t begin until nearly a quarter-till seven. The delay for the start is not known, but it did enhance the anticipation for Favre to discuss the reasoning behind his decision to sign with the Minnesota Vikings.

Between helicopters flying over the Vikings practice facility this morning and traffic being stalled as fans flooded the area, it was certainly a wild day in St. Paul for everyone involved. Favre, who had just finished his first practice, seemed genuinely excited to be a member of the Vikings. “I’m in it for the right reasons,” he said.

Favre admitted that it was a long process to get to this point, and much of it was due to his surgically repaired biceps tendon. The surgery was performed by Dr. James Andrews — one of the most respected  surgeons in the country — sometime between May and June. From there, Favre went through a rehabilitation period in order to see if his arm was healed enough to play football. “For me, I had to be reassured from Dr. Andrews and the doctors here as well that this [the injury] wouldn’t be an issue,” Favre said.

There has certainly been concern about Favre’s arm and whether it will be able to withstand a 16-game NFL season. Favre, for his part, sounded adamant that his arm would be fine. “My arm has felt pretty good – good enough for me to feel confident in making the throws I need to make.”

Last season, Favre and the New York Jets started the season with a record of 8-3 and appeared to be legitimate Super Bowl contenders, especially after two stirring road victories over the New England Patriots and Tennesee Titans. The wheels came after late in the season, as Favre struggled to make the necessary throws and ultimately cost the Jets a playoff spot. Favre admitted that he can no longer make the throws that made him so great earlier in his career. “I don’t think I’m capable of doing some of the plays I used to make. I understand my limitations and how it pertains to what we’re trying to do,” he said.

The Jets had an extremely talented roster, but it wasn’t as good as what the Vikings have put together for 2009. Minnesota was arguably the best team in the NFC North before Favre’s arrival, but expectations have now been raised enormously. Favre himself has high expectations for the upcoming season. “My expectations are high. This team is a good football team. I didn’t come here to lose. I think we can be as good as we want to be.”

Speaking of the NFC North, Favre will now get to play two games against his former team, the Green Bay Packers. Many have speculated that Favre is simply coming out of retirement to defeat the Packers, but he denies anything to that effect. “This is not about revenge, believe me. They’ve moved on, I’ve moved on.”

“If you’re coming back for those two games, it’ll be a long year,” Favre said. “If it was about revenge, I would have signed on the dotted line the first day.”

Favre is right in that he can’t spend the whole season thinking about the Packers. While that seemed to play somewhat of a role in his return to the NFL, it wouldn’t be fair to the Vikings for Favre to think about nothing but playing Green Bay when their are 14 other games on the schedule.

With expectations so high for the team, preparation will be key in the coming weeks. Favre will have a lot of work to get done before the start of the regular season, but working to his advantage is the fact that Minnesota runs a similar offense to what he ran in Green Bay. “The system is what I’m used to — calling the plays was easy.”

Seeing Favre run onto the field at Lambeau Field in a Vikings uniform will be strange, to say the least. “16 years playing in Green Bay were great years and that was home to me,” said Favre.

The legacy of Favre as a Packer may be tainted because of his decision to play for the hated Vikings, and it may not be. Only time will tell, but no matter what happens this upcoming season, Favre’s No.4 jersey will be retired by the Packers at some point. Favre believes his legacy will be defined be what he thinks of it, not what others think. ”First of all, when people start talking about my legacy, it’s mine, he said. “It’s what I think of it. I know the way I played the game. I know the way I handled myself as a teammate and leader, in the public.

That is the future. The present is what Favre and the Vikings are solely focused on. Favre will need as many reps as possible with the first-team before the regular season. The Vikings still have three preseason games remaining, and that is where the process of developing chemistry will take place. Though Favre hasn’t had much time to get a feel for how his teammates play football, he may start on Friday night against the Kansas City Chiefs. “Obviously I’m behind the 8- ball a little bit,” Favre said. “I don’t think it’s smart to go out and play a whole half. As much as I’ve played my career, there’s a difference year to year.”

While he may or not play on Friday night, he can already start to help the Vikings in different ways. Favre said he spoke with the team’s other quarterbacks — Sage Rosenfels, Tarvaris Jackson and John David Booty — and said he would offer his help if any of the three had questions. Favre’s veteran presence can certainly help the development of the Jackson and Booty, who are still in the elementary stages of their careers.

His leadership is another aspect where he can help the Vikings. “I felt like all along I could offer some experience and leadership,” he said.

Leadership is something that a quarterback should always have, but first Favre must gain the trust of his teammates.. “Even though I’ve played a long time, you still have to earn the respect of this team,” Favre said.

Favre makes his regular season debut on September 13, when the Vikings travel to Cleveland to take on the Browns.

Brett Favre Is Back…. Are You At All Suprised?

It’s official. Brett Favre is now a member of the Minnesota Vikings.

Rumors ran wild this morning of Favre and his wife boarding a private plane that was heading for St. Paul, and the situation escalated from there. Vikings head coach Brad Childress confirmed earlier today that the Vikings will sign Favre, and No.4 arrived in St. Paularound 1:00pm EST.

The contract is reportedly a 2-year deal worth $10-12 million for the first season. The second year of the deal is likely there for salary cap reasons rather than it being a commitment from Favre that he will also play in 2010. Prior to the signing of Favre, Sage Rosenfels and Tarvaris Jackson were engaged in a competition to see who would earn the right to become the Vikings starting quarterback. R0senfels looked to have the best shot at becoming a starter, especially after completing 10-of-13 passes for 93 yards in the team’s first preseason game, against the Indianapolis Colts. With Favre’s arrival, Rosenfels likely will become the No.2 quarterback, withJackson as the No.3.

The Vikings had been courting Favre for weeks, only to find out that he was going to stay retired. But now that he has decided to return, it’s entirely possible that the Vikings had a deal “under the table” with Favre so that he could become a member of the team after training camp. After all, Favre has never displayed a love for camp. Now that the Vikings have broken camp and the preseason is underway, Favre is now a member of the team.

According to ESPN’s Cris Carter, Favre will start for the Vikings on Friday against the Kansas City Chiefs. The game will be played inMinnesota, where the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome is sure to be filled with loads of anticipation. The Vikings have one of the best rosters in all of football, but the quarterback was always a question mark. That question has now been answered, as Favre is expected to produce big time for the Vikings. Minnesota runs the West Coast offense, a system Favre thrived in while playing with the Green Bay Packers.

Much of the reason Favre is returning to the NFL likely has to do with getting revenge on the Packers, who didn’t want Favre to return to the team in the summer of 2008 after Favre had first retired. He ultimately was traded to the New York Jets, where the team failed to make the playoffs. Reports emerged after Favre retired again that he never established a chemistry with teammates and separated himself from the group. There likely won’t be any problems in Minnesota, however, because the Vikings players apparently had been begging Favre to come and play for the team.

Since the learning curve for Favre in Minnesota doesn’t appear to be great, the biggest obstacle will be quickly establishing chemistry with teammates. That effort is already underway, as Favre has stepped onto the practice field with the Vikings.

While questions still remain about Favre’s health, it is hard to imagine he would return unless he was fully healthy. ESPN’s Ed Werder reported earlier today that Favre has a torn rotator cuff and the Vikings are aware of the injury, but it appears to be only a minor injury.

Should Favre stay healthy, one reason the signing could pay dividends is the fact that he won’t have to carry the load for the Vikings offense. Running back Adrian Peterson is arguably the best in the league at his position, and the bulk  of the offense will center around him. Favre will also have a talented group of skills players to work with besides Peterson, including receivers Bernard Berrian and Percy Harvin, as well as tight end Visanthe Shiancoe.

Minnesota was already a favorite to win the NFC North, and those odds have increased with the addition of Favre. Conveniently for Favre, the Vikings toughest divisional opponent will be the Packers. Both of those games will be appointment viewing, especially when Favre and the Vikings travel to Lambeau Field in Week 8, a game that will take place November 1. The kind of reception Favre receives will be fascinating to watch. When Favre was traded to Jets last summer, some Packers fans bought Favre’s Jets jersey to show their love. But the fact that he is now a member of one of the Packers’ rivals undoubtedly changes everything. Scouring Packers blogs on the internet, there is a portion of fans who will always love No.4 because of how much he meant to Green Bay. There are also those who believe he has now tarnished his legacy as a Packer.

The Vikings first game against the Packers come at Week 5, a Monday Night Football game on October 5. Tickets for that game will be at a premium. On StubHub.com, the cheapest ticket available is currently $179, which is well above face value.

A press conference announcing the move is scheduled for 6:00pm EST. I’ll be posting some comments from Favre afterwards.

Picks And Pans ………

Maurice Clarett , now there’s a name I’d rather not hear ! Over-hyped, enabled by all within the Ohio State’s athletics program. Having squandered, what many thought was once a promising college career. The Buckeyes’ running back felt that he was ready for the NFL as a sophomore entrant at the next level, in terms of his football career. He sought to challenge the NFL’s age eligibility entrance requirements. Having failed in that endeavor, Clarett’s ambitions spiraled downards and headed south. Next thing we knew , the former Buckeye had ran afoul of the law and he then sought to blame others for the poor choices that he’d made.

Clarett seen here making a phone call while in prison. The former Buckeye sought his early release but has since requested the state Parole Board to rescind the request. The player still feels that upon his release , he'll have something to offer the NFL as a player. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Michell Mayhew .....................

Granted , one has to be accountable for one’s actions but at the same time , I’ve a question to ask. What is it that Clarett apparently learned whilst in college ? Other than being there, on an apparent football scholarship. It’d appear that the player forsook all the privileges made available to him. Now an inmate within the state penal system in Ohio . Clarett recently tried an appeal to the state parole board in order to gain his early relase. Misguided as Clarett is , he’s still under the impression that he’s got something to offer to the NFL. From my point of view , that’s akin to Paris Hilton stating that she’d be a suitable candidate to be the next Professor Emeritus at Yale or Harvard. On both levels, Hilton and Clarett share the same sort of personas. They’re both of the opinion that they’re talented and have something to offer to the world. As to what that might be , I’d leave that up for you to decide.

Jason Bartlett (right) gets the high five from teammate Evan Longoria after the player had hit a home run in the Rays' 6-4 defeat of the Boston Red Sox at Tropicana Field , St Petersburg, Florida. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Chris O'Meara ....................

Last night , the Tampa Bay Rays (60-48) took the second of two games, in a two game series against the Boston Red Sox (62-44) . That being said, the Rays are still behind the 8 ball in terms of garnering a wild card berth as an entrant into the postseason. They’re now equal with the Texas Rangers percentage points’ wise and are three games behind the venerable Boston Red Sox. Their only hope now may lie in the fact that the Red Sox now face a do or die series against the AL East division leading, New York Yankees . Should the Sox then fall there, then it’s create something of a respite for the Rays as to their long term ambitions might appear , as to the remainder of the season. As good as they appear to have been playing at present . It has been their inconsistency to win back to back series regularly, that has primarily harmed their chances and that has placed them in the predicament that they now find themselves in.

Rays' DH Pat Burrell smiles as he leaves the field alongside the team's third base coach Tom Foley. Burrell had just hit a sixth inning home run off Red Sox pitcher Brad Penny . picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Chris O'Meara ....................

Rays’ coach, Joe Maddon , has to have been satisfied as of late with the play of his All Stars, Carl Crawford , Evan Longoria and in particular Jason Bartlett . This trio, seemed to have epitomized what this team has been about as of late. On the pitching front , it has been Matt Garza and James Shields , that’ve borne the brunt of the work. But for the unfortunate Shields , he’s never gotten the run support needed when he’s gone and out and pitched a gem of a game for the team. The batters have let him down , all too often !

Rays' pitcher David Price delivers a pitch during the first inning of the game played against the Boston Red Sox at Tropicana Field in St Petersburg. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Chris O'Meara ........................

As the season now reaches the stage, where teams will now have to be at their level best. It remains to be seen whether or not the Tampa Bay Rays are able to replicate the success of last year and go one step further and perhaps win the World Series . It’s makes for an interesting prospect don’t you think ?

Vick seen here on his to court in Virginia stemming from his indictment on illegal dogfighting and illegal gambling charges. The player recently finished serving two years in a Federal penitentiary in Leavenworth Kansas. He now hopes to resume his career in the NFL. But still has to serve four game suspension as part of the re-instatement process. He also has the alternative of signing with an UFL team , rather than awaiting to play in the NFL. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Paul Taylor ..........................

As Michael Vick looks to make his comeback within the NFL . Already having been re-instated , he’s still now under suspension , courtesy of the NFL’s commissioner , Roger Goodell . There may well be, one or two teams around the league intrigued to see what the player may well have to offer to a franchise , by way of his play. That being said , two years away from the game , all of the rust and then returning back to a physical regimen won’t shake off the lethargy that the player’ll no doubt posssess. But it appears that the NFC South’s Carolina Panthers as well as the Green Bay Packers are indeed keen to see what Vick might be able to do for their respective franchises. Albeit, that the John Fox coached Panthers, still has Jake Delhomme doing the signal calling for the team. What we have come to realize, is that despite the enigma that Vick is said to be as a player. When he’s on the field of play , there is something that’s electrifying about him. He may well be one of a handful of players , who when they’re in a game , can seemingly make the impossible happen, that can change the complete course and outcome of a game.

As to the Packers , one now must wonder what may well be going across the mind of Aaron Rodgers ? Will be he pull a Jay Cutler on Mike McCarthy ? And clearly one would’ve thought after the team’s distastrous handling of the Brett Favre saga. This’d be the last thing that they would want landing on their plate, within the midst of the Packer faithful. I guess that they’d better call in former White House Press Secretaries to Presidents’ George W Bush and Bill Clinton , in Dee Dee Myers and Ari Fleischer . At least those two , know how to handle any blowback that might and any type of turmoil that’s liable to take place . They’re very well versed in dealing with the media. Which is more than can be said of McCarthy and the Packers’ hierarchy.

However, the unfortunate thing for most fans of the NFL , is the mere fact that we’ve never seen Vick produce that sort of a performance at the professional ranks , much less at the college level. Granted , his career has been built around his exceptional physical abilities and athleticism. But when was the last time you actually saw or even remember Vick playing and leading a team with a great deal of authority ? You may well need to have the memory of an elephant to in-fact go back that far. In reality, it has been few and far between for the player. And in terms of his performances on the field as a professional.

Vick seen here playing for the Atlanta Falcons looks to evade the Eagles' defensive player Sean Considine in a game played at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia in December of 2006. picture appears courtesy of getty images / Jim McIsaac .........................

Now should Vick return to the NFL , it may or may well not be at his desired option of being a quarterback. One way or another however, his return will be welcomed by some . But in other circles, it’ll be looked upon as just another self indulgent star being granted another oppportunity after seemingly being unable to be cognisant of what’s right from what is indeed wrong . Nevermind, the fact that as an adult he was unable to admit to his actions when first asked. We may well be asked to be a forgiving society and in particular of those we believe to be deserving of a second chance. But are we actually able to really forgive someone who from the very onset made a choice on all accounts , he knew to be wrong ?

Quarterback Friday: Favre is gone?

Now, on the Wednesday Round-Up I said I was undecided as far as Quarterback Friday. And if you couldn’t tell by the title, I went with the retired one.

We all know the news by now, Favre is “staying retired”, believe it or not. I’m mad too, it’s much easier to write a story about a HOF QB coming out of retirement, than a guy that made no real move at all. Still, I’m not so sure th Fat Lady has sung just yet. The door is still open for a return.

To be honest, I’m surprised – I really saw Brett pulling another return. But hey, you don’t know till you know. Now I know, and I was wrong. I’m not the only one that made a wrong prediction. ESPN’s own John Clayton said he was go into return – and he said that about a month ago. Anyway, we can all make the wrong call.

Now I’m going to ask for an opinion. Does Favre going to the Jets change your opinion of him? What I’m asking is, does Brett pulling all these shenanigans change your view of him. Because before all this, if I heard Brett Favre I thought Packers. Now, I think of him as a decisive and somewhat annoying QB. I still see Packers at heart. But the stint as a Jet will taint that vision.

Anyway, that was today’s QB Friday. Comment, or don’t. Just hope you enjoyed it.

Ain’t Too Proud To Beg ……

Well the NFL training camps are almost upon us. And the expectations for some are higher than for others. In the case of the Detroit Lions , it’s all about redeeming themselves after last season’s disastrous escapade during the regular season.

Detroit Lions' head coach Jim Schwartz (center) alongside General Martin Mayhew (left) and Team President Tom Lewand (right). picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Carlos Osorio ...............

And after going (0-16) within the NFC North. One can allude to the fact that for the franchise now , the only way is up. And it has to be said that with the upheaval within the coaching regime, after the abrupt firing of Rod Marinelli . A fresh pair of eyes and mindset needs to be brought to the team. Newly established Head Coach , Jim Schwartz and General Manager Martin Mayhew have set about revamping the team’s roster and coaching staff.

Wide receiver Calvin Johnson seen here in full stride for the Lions. The players is viewed as the team's most ominous and potent offensive threat. And he's viewed as a great complement to the weapons that quarterback , Matthew Stafford will have in his arsenal. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Mike Schiff ......................

And in the draft they went about expeditiously and judiciously supplementing the roster with the players they best felt would be able to contribute and bring back the luster to the franchise. To state that the Lions’ franchise has been in the doldrums for the last decade. It’s not only stating the obvious but it also has signified almost how irrelevant the Lions had become in the NFL. Merely stating that on Thanksgiving Day , a Lions’ game was on television. It all but brought about tears to the most ardent of NFL fans. Especially those Lions’ fans who had to be subjected to their sheer ineptitude of their displays on the field.

Daunte Culpepper of the Detroit Lions. The veteran players is being viewed as Matthew Stafford's backup. However, there is the opinion that Culpepper will initially be the starter at the beginning of the regular season , in order that Stafford can get himself acclimatized. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Chris Nelson ..................

Why it is that the custom of having the Lions play a home game on Thanksgiving Day in-front of a network audience , has always been beyond my comprehension. Were it not for the fact that the hierarchy of the NFL still believes in customs , tradition and its importance to the game. I would’ve thought that they would’ve done away with the Lions being part of this customary scheduling. It’s bad enough having to digest the Thanksgiving Day turkey dinner and the numerous alcoholic beverages that one consumes on the day. Without then having to subject one’s self of the inane privilege of then having to watch the Lions play. I’m thick skinned but certainly not that much !

Mark Sanchez (left) and Matthew Stafford at the NFL Scouting combine. Both players were taken in the first round of the NFL Draft. Sanchez was taken by the New York Jets of the AFC East division. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Charles Mallet

In the always competitive NFC North the Lions will have to pick wits with the Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers . And being welcomed into the fold of the division, will be Jay Cutler . Who’ll be the starting quarterback the Bears , having been traded to the team from the Denver Broncos . And it’s also envisioned that we’ll see the returning prodigal Brett Favre , who’ll be joining the Vikings. Once he’s made a final decision as to his status. Are we there yet, Brett ?

For the Detroit Lions the question one everyone’s lips is … how quickly will their number one draft pick, quarterback, Matthew Stafford acclimatize himself to the rigors and play of the National Football League ? Stafford, having been taken as the number one overall pick has the undue burden of expectation riding on his shoulders as to the fate of the franchise this upcoming season.

Defensively, last season we know that Lions were atrocious. And watching the team play , you’d have been under the impression that Schwartz’s predecessor Rod Marinelli knew nothing about the art of defense when it cames to the NFL . He cut his teeth in that bastion of defensive knowledge , under the tutelage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ , Monte Kiffin . Unfortunately, however , having the knowledge is one thing but to impart on players who can actually comprehend it is another. And such was the malais that the team found itself in.

On the offensive side of things, it certainly wasn’t that much better. And one of few bright spots on the team was their wide receiver Calvin Johnson . An athletic and gifted player, Johnson convinced many that he is the future of this franchise, given the right signal-caller to make the plays. And it’s viewed that whilst the veteran Daunte Culpepper is there to tutor the freshman , Stafford. It may well be Culpepper who’ll provide the initial plays at the start of the regular season . In order that Stafford can acclimatize himself to the nuances of the game. Though Schwartz hasn’t stated that the starting quarterback position is up for grabs. It could well be viewed that Culpepper is also being asked to audition for the position. Stafford for his part has let it be known that he’s ready , willing and able to lead this team with authority.

Lions' running back Kevin Smith evades the tackle of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Kevin Carter in a game played Ford Field , Detroit , Michigan. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Christian Petersen ........................

The Detroit Lions’ fans could be in for a treat this season. And if they’re able to get some semblance of teamwork and cohesion during training camp and the preseason schedule of games. Then there’s no reason to believe that they’re not going to be able to acquit themselves well, over the course of the regular season. But much of that’ll be predicated upon the mindset of this team and whether or not the message that Schwartz is imparting to the players will be acknowledged and acted upon.
If it is ,then so be it. If not, then the malaise of last season could well be revisited. And the Detroit Lions’ fans, I for one feel , will not at all be enamored with that particular scenario arising once again.

One can well remember the bravado and gumption of Matt Millen as the franchise’s GM prior to Martin Mayhew. His gusto in proclaiming that he was here to stay and to turn the franchise around . Well it was only matched by the sheer ineptitude shown under his auspices with regard to the personnel decisions made. It set back the franchise at least five years. But even more so, Millen wasn’t willing to accept that he’d failed the fans , the franchise and the Ford family as the owners of this once venerable franchise.
But then again the Ford family aren’t without blame , as they were naive enough to believe that Millen would be the ultimate savior of the franchise to begin with.

Matt Millen former GM of the Detroit Lions and then owner William Clay Ford Sr. Under Millen' reign the team posted an abysmal 31-84 record during his 8 year tenure as the team's GM. He would be fired by the Ford family at the culimation of a horrendous 2008 season where the team went 0-16 during regular NFL 16 game schedule . A first for the NFL under its present schedule. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Paul Stanton ............................

We’ve seen how the Fords have handled the family business . And it has to be said that the misfortunes there, seemed to found their way within the Detroit Lions’ franchise. Naivete’ and audacity is one thing but how can one explain their sheer stupidity to begin with ? The credentials that Millen brought to the table, was nothing more than being a passable NFL player in his pime and an above average analyst on television. Beyond that there just wasn’t much there to begin with !

Sometimes The Choices You Make Are Clearly The Choices That Can End Up Defining You

OK ! Who amongst us hasn’t had enough of the Brett Favre saga ? Hands up if like me you’ve become totally sick of the will he , or won’t he aspect of this all ? Now comes word that the player has given the Minnesota Vikings a timeline in terms of a date. Whereby he will make them aware as to a final decision as to whether or not he’ll come out of retirement and resume his career with the team.

Favre speaks with members of the press after the high school practice drills he participated in with members of the Oak Grove High School in Hattiesburg, Mississippi,. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Rogelio Solis ........

I’m not a soap opera fan. But from what I’ve led to believe there tends to be great deal of intrigue, sexual tension and a modicum of violence. All of that is done to induce the fans to watch a somewhat tepid tale with a weak storyline. Well the Favre saga has been some of that but without the sexual tension and violence. The intrigue has been that the Vikings’ executives and coaching staff have been stupid enough to be at Favre’s beck and call.

If there’s been one thing that I’ve learnt from being part of a team , whilst in the military. It is that no one man is greater than anyone else. A team’s strength lies the links and how strong that they are. And the leadership provided from within and by who is prepared to accept that role. Perhaps I’ve been mistaken but these characteristics aren’t all part of Favre’s persona. In his glory days with the Green Bay Packers . Granted , he was viewed as the team’s best player. But in terms of the leadership provided , it all came from Reggie White . He, White , was the fulcrum that gave the team its inner strength. But it has been Favre who’s been lauded and who has reaped the glory.

In the midst of this all , while I will give credit where credits due. Favre’s career has seen its highs and lows. But I can’t help but wonder if this really is the image that we want to see on his display by a primadonna athlete whose best days in effect are behind him ? They most certainly aren’t ahead of him at this juncture ! If nothing else it is the likes of ESPN who’ve seen fit to make the story their bread and butter as far stories emanating from the NFL are concerned. Granted also they’ve not actually left us bereft of anything concerning Michael Vick or Donte’ Stallworth for that matter. But that’s to be expexted from the worldwide leader in sport’s programming , and then some !

Favre throws a pass while practicising with members of the Oak Grove High School football team. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Rogelio Solis ...........................

As to Favre, one might now ask the question that if not by July 31st , he fails to come to a decision. Then what next happens in this continuing saga ? The Vikings’ organization has sat around and waited . Albeit , that at the team’s OTA’s , the incumbent quarterbacks on the team’s roster have been made to look like experimental guinea pigs. Imagine what will happen once Favre is introduced into the mix , should his decision be that of resuming his career. Will he become the vocal team leader ? Or will he willingly defer to the team’s gifted and impactful running back Adrian Peterson ?

As appreciative as I have been of Favre’s undoubted skills. I continue to question his judgement over these last few years. As he’s held franchises around him as hostages, to his every whim. Were he a child you’d expect the parent to come forth and chide him for being so infantile. But yet here’s a man who’s being glorified for all of the wrong reasons at present. I see nothing grand in Favre’s actions at present , nor do I feel that the Vikings are still obligated to wait until the end of month for a decision. But such is their want that at this juncture , that in Favre , they see their best hope for glory this season.

Amazingly enough, Favre’s reintroduction the league, should it happen. And in particular to the NFC North division will be viewed as financial free for all for the team within. And nothing trumps the game of football within the NFL, other than money. For Favre’s detractors his failures, should they manfiest themselves with Minnesota Vikings’ season imploding. Then it will only add fuel to the fire as to this ongoing saga. For his supporters then they can see the return of their hero. And even he should fail, even in their eyes , it will still be viewed as something of a victory. For the Vikings’ fans they may well view this all as something of a novelty, if nothing else. They may well be of the belief that this team is capable of quite possibly winning it all. But in reality, who’s kidding whom here ? The Minnesota Viking are good , but they’re not that good !

Associated Press:

Brett Favre just one of the guys at Oak Grove High

By Chris Talbott-(AP)

HATTIESBURG-Miss,- Micah Williams doesn’t show up to summer workouts at Oak Grove High School without gloves.

Thanks to the fourth guy in the quarterback rotation- the tall one with the gray beard-they’re required gear.

“He’s still throwing like he use to,” Williams said. ” Still with the zip. Hard. If you don’t wear gloves, your hands are going to be through.”

The senior wide receiver is talking about his summertime teammate , Brett Favre. The 39 year old quarterback, Superbowl winner and three-time NFL MVP.

Anyone who thinks Favre is adrift without a team as he contemplates a return for a 19th season , this time with the Minnesota Vikings, is very wrong. Favre has everything he needs right here at Oak Grove , where coach Nevil Barr agreed to let him join in team workouts five summers ago while Favre was still in Green Bay.

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In order to Chris Talbott’s article in its entirety just click on the text headlined link provided .

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As to the team’s fortunes this upcoming season. One can hope that with Favre at the helm they’re able acquit themselves well. However , should this experiment end in failure then the blame for this all can be apportioned equally between all of the parties concerned.

If you’re fan of the NFL , you can’t but wish Favre good luck. But at the same time you can’t but harbor him some form of ill will, merely because demeanor towards others. While he’s in the spotlight of the NFL , the game is Favre’s safe haven. Away from it and he’s like a child seemingly lost because he can’t find either of his parents.

The Brett Favre Saga

As we enter the dark period in the NFL summer — the month right after minicamps and just before training camps — fans and writers alike tend to reach out to left field to find topics to discuss. Topics have been much easier to find this summer, just as it will be this summer. That is because we have Brett Favre, who has trouble deciding whether or not he should remain retired. Favre, one of the best QBs in NFL history, loves the game too much to walk away, though he has done so twice now under the belief that he had nothing left to give.

And so writers and fans have beaten to death the Favre “will he or won’t he?” story. That’s what happens when there is nothing else to talk about. 2008 was the “Summer of Favre,” and 2009 is quickly joining the party.

Favre, after being released by the New York Jets on April 28, is a free-agent, meaning he is able to sign with whichever team he chooses. Last season, Favre was still a member of the Green Bay Packers — he was on the reserve/retired list. When Favre began to indicate that he wanted to come back last summer, the Packers were against the idea since they had already given the starting QB job to Aaron Rodgers, who watched and learned from Favre for three seasons. At that point, Favre asked for his release, which the Packers immediately rejected. Instead, the Packers looked for trade partners. Because of the way the Packers handled the situation, Favre’s preferred choice was the Minnesota Vikings, the team’s division rival. Favre, however, was traded to the Jets.

After playing for a season with New York and nearly leading them to the playoffs, he once-again retired, and now we are back to a similar situation that we had last year, only different. Now, Favre can go play for the Vikings. Ever since the Favre-return talks began last summer, the Vikings have shown interest. Favre spoke with Vikings offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell — a good friend — during that summer, which led to tampering allegations.

Report: Jennings to Get a New Contract

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings is a rising star at the position. Last season, he emerged as the top receiver on the team, replacing veteran Donald Driver. Driver is now the No.2 WR, and Jennings is asking for money that reflects his standing as the team’s No.1 receiver. He had 1,292 yards and 9 touchdowns last season, good enough to be a Pro Bowl-alternate. The going rate for top WRs in the game is $10 million, set by Arizona Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald. According to John Clayton of ESPN.com, Jennings is about to get paid. And while the deal won’t quite put him up to the Fitzgerald level,  he’ll be in that range.

ESPN.com:

The Green Bay Packers and wide receiver Greg Jennings are in the process of finalizing a three-year extension that will keep him with the team through 2012.

According to a source, Jennings could make $27 million in new money with the deal, but if he performs at a Pro Bowl level, his new contract could be worth as much as $30 million. Jennings was in the last year of his rookie contract and was scheduled to make $535,000.

Jennings will earn slightly in excess of $16 million in guarantees, a source told ESPN.com’s Len Pasquarelli. The source also said that the structure of the contract is more front- than back-loaded.

Though both sides have come to an agreement on the numbers, a couple things have to be worked out as far as the language of the contract. First, it must be approved by the NFL Management Council. Second, it has to be signed by both parties. The plan is to try to get the final draft ready in the next couple of days.