words:
This is meant in the nicest possible way and no disrespect is intended, but Brett Favre needs to shut up.
Please, Brett, no more rambling about the prospect of coming out of retirement. No more thinking out loud about the pros and cons of returning. No more speculation in response to hypothetical questions.
Everyone who watched his tearful retirement news conference March 6 came away convinced Favre was finished. His competitive flame was extinguished. The candle that burned so vibrantly for 17 years in the National Football League had expired.
It was written all over his face. We saw it in his eyes. His demeanor was unmistakable.
Most of all, his words said it all. "I've given everything I possibly can give to this organization, to the game of football," Favre said that day. "And I don't think I've got anything left to give, and that's it."
In case there was any doubt, Favre reiterated his intentions. "What matters is it's been a great career for me, and it's over," he said. "As hard as that is for me to say, it's over."
There was no wiggle room in those comments. He didn't leave the door slightly ajar in case there was a change of heart.
What part of the words "it's over" could be misunderstood?
Yet here we are, less than six weeks later, wondering whether Favre might stage a comeback.
Asked by the Biloxi Sun-Herald on Tuesday whether he would consider returning if starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers went down with an injury, Favre replied: "It would be tempting, and I very well could be enticed to do it."
Say what?
In the same interview, Favre also said he hasn't changed his mind about retirement. He added he wouldn't return unless he was in shape. Is it any wonder Packers fans were confused by the mixed messages?
Favre's diligent attempt to answer a concocted question came out wrong. In the end, Favre stuck his size-13 shoe in his mouth.
Even the hint Favre might play again will send certain fans and media outlets over the edge. It's not inconceivable that some people will root for Rodgers to get hurt.
Intended or not, Favre's comments added to Rodgers' heavy burden. It's difficult enough following a legend, but it will become harder if there's a perception Favre is waiting in the wings.
Favre could have avoided all of this by emphatically stating he's happy in retirement. He should have politely declined to play a silly game of what-if. Instead, he fueled conjecture about a possible comeback.
How will Favre respond in his next interview when someone hits him with this: "Would you consider playing again if boar hunting gets boring, your golf game goes to pot and your lawn no longer needs mowing due to a drought in Mississippi?"
Against my better journalistic instincts, I would advise Favre to stick a sock in his mouth. Either that, or simply say, "No comment."
This is meant in the nicest possible way and no disrespect is intended, but Brett Favre needs to shut up.
Please, Brett, no more rambling about the prospect of coming out of retirement. No more thinking out loud about the pros and cons of returning. No more speculation in response to hypothetical questions.
Everyone who watched his tearful retirement news conference March 6 came away convinced Favre was finished. His competitive flame was extinguished. The candle that burned so vibrantly for 17 years in the National Football League had expired.
It was written all over his face. We saw it in his eyes. His demeanor was unmistakable.
Most of all, his words said it all. "I've given everything I possibly can give to this organization, to the game of football," Favre said that day. "And I don't think I've got anything left to give, and that's it."
In case there was any doubt, Favre reiterated his intentions. "What matters is it's been a great career for me, and it's over," he said. "As hard as that is for me to say, it's over."
There was no wiggle room in those comments. He didn't leave the door slightly ajar in case there was a change of heart.
What part of the words "it's over" could be misunderstood?
Yet here we are, less than six weeks later, wondering whether Favre might stage a comeback.
Asked by the Biloxi Sun-Herald on Tuesday whether he would consider returning if starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers went down with an injury, Favre replied: "It would be tempting, and I very well could be enticed to do it."
Say what?
In the same interview, Favre also said he hasn't changed his mind about retirement. He added he wouldn't return unless he was in shape. Is it any wonder Packers fans were confused by the mixed messages?
Favre's diligent attempt to answer a concocted question came out wrong. In the end, Favre stuck his size-13 shoe in his mouth.
Even the hint Favre might play again will send certain fans and media outlets over the edge. It's not inconceivable that some people will root for Rodgers to get hurt.
Intended or not, Favre's comments added to Rodgers' heavy burden. It's difficult enough following a legend, but it will become harder if there's a perception Favre is waiting in the wings.
Favre could have avoided all of this by emphatically stating he's happy in retirement. He should have politely declined to play a silly game of what-if. Instead, he fueled conjecture about a possible comeback.
How will Favre respond in his next interview when someone hits him with this: "Would you consider playing again if boar hunting gets boring, your golf game goes to pot and your lawn no longer needs mowing due to a drought in Mississippi?"
Against my better journalistic instincts, I would advise Favre to stick a sock in his mouth. Either that, or simply say, "No comment."